James "Jim" Eugene Kieffer

James (Jim) Eugene Kieffer passed away under the loving and careful watch of his wife of 60 years, Arlene Kieffer (Mills), at the Fargo VA Community Living Center on September 13, 2023. One of Eugene and Claire Kieffer's twelve children, Jim, was born on January 22, 1943. He attended high school in Casselton, North Dakota, attended NDSU, and was stationed at the Grand Forks Air Force Base as a civil engineer.

During his twenty-year tenure as a farmer, Jim also served a term in the ND House of Representatives. He was a member of the Jaycees and numerous farming organizations. Jim traveled the country, meeting people and gathering stories, for an additional 20 years as a long-haul truck driver.

With a keen mechanical mind, Jim could fix anything with an engine or gears, and every Labor Day weekend for 30 years, he could be found at the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion in Rollag, MN. He developed a passion for collecting, fixing, and donating bicycles to those in need, distributing hundreds of bikes to individuals and organizations. Jim loved tending his sprawling gardens and was a devoted animal lover. Jim was also well-known for sharing stories, which could meander at times but were always worth a listen.

"Big Jim" had a big heart, which he shared generously with everyone, but especially with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His deep voice was perfect for lulling crying babies to sleep, and his playful spirit kept energetic kids entertained for hours on the family farm.

Although he saw much of the beauty this country has to offer from behind the wheel of his semi, his favorite place on earth was the 10-acre farmstead he shared with his wife. The family will be forever thankful for the compassionate, in-home care his daughter, Danielle, provided as he enjoyed his final summer at his beloved farm beside Arlene, the love of his life.

He was preceded in death by his grandchildren, Christine Kieffer, Clark Kieffer, Jasmine Hanson; parents, Eugene and Claire Kieffer (Sonsalla); and his siblings, Bernadette Kieffer, Donald (Dorothy Haugland, Shirley) Kieffer, Bonnie (Harvey*) Fiala, Charlene (Marvin) Fyten, Peter (Joan) Kieffer; and stepmother, Geri Tehrfer Kieffer.

Jim is survived by his wife, Arlene Kieffer (Mills); children, Michael Kieffer, Cynthia (Michael) McConniel, Steven (Sandy) Kieffer, Danielle Kieffer, Amy (Alex) Burke, Gina (Andrew Dunn) Kieffer, Paul (Jennifer) Kieffer, William (Emily) Kieffer, Holly (Eric Almberg) Kieffer, and Sara (Steven) Sanders; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; and siblings, Leo (Alexia) Kieffer, Ralph (Phyllis*) Kieffer, Harold (Kathy) Kieffer, Lillian (Michael) Eberhardt, John Kieffer, and Marilyn (Gerald*) Barnes.

* In memoriam

Visitation is scheduled for September 23 at 9:30 am at St. Leo's Catholic Church, 211 Langer Ave N, Casselton, ND 58012, with a Funeral Mass to follow at 10:30 am. Burial will be in St. Leo's Cemetery, Casselton.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, the family asks loved ones to please consider making a donation to benefit Veterans at the Fargo VA. Donations can be made online at https://www.va.gov/fargo-health-care/work-with-us/volunteer-or-donate/ or via mail at Fargo VA HCS, CDCE (135), 2101 Elm Street N, Fargo, ND 58102.