Steve Keifer

Steve Keifer

Wheaton

Steve Keifer passed away peacefully on May 24, 2022, surrounded by his family at his home in Wheaton, Ill. Steve was born to Eugene and Anita (Nolan) Keifer on March 25, 1952, in Dubuque, Iowa. He was a proud graduate of Regina Catholic High School in Iowa City and the University of Iowa College of Business.

He started his career in public accounting and later joined General Growth Properties in Des Moines, Minneapolis and Chicago, where GGP established their headquarters. Steve concluded his career with Lincoln Properties, also in Chicago, and enjoyed his work and colleagues at both companies. Working in downtown Chicago and exploring the vast amenities of this great city was of great interest to him.

An avid cyclist, Steve loved biking the Illinois Prairie Path, a rails to trails limestone path traversing over fifty miles, with his wife, Carolyn. A day was well lived biking through Chicagoland’s eclectic towns along the train line or through the DuPage County Forest Preserves and along the DuPage River, all connected by this glorious path.

A longtime supporter of the Morton Arboretum, he enjoyed hiking their expansive trails, attending art installations and their Illumination Winter Light Festival over the years.

Steve was blessed with a close network of friends, many who shared a love for wargaming, a hobby he relished for nearly fifty years. He was a history buff with a great interest in aviation that started with building model airplanes in elementary school and grew to a keen interest in military strategy games. He enjoyed exhibits at various air and space museums throughout his adult life and learning about planes and their connection to historical events.

Steve was delighted to recently join his Regina classmates on a 50th reunion Caribbean cruise and attend his 51st Regina High School reunion in Iowa City. He loved connecting with his lifelong friends and especially enjoyed seeing his mother and sisters on visits back to Iowa City. Retired a few years ago, Steve recently became a grandfather to Ellie who was a great joy in his life.

Steve is survived by his wife, Carolyn; son Dave; granddaughter, Ellie; mother, Anita; sisters, Julia Keifer, Kathy Keifer (Catherine Young) and Teri Keifer (John Weeg); and nephews, Keifer and Tim Diamond.

He was predeceased by his father, Eugene.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 16, at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, 605 Kirkwood Ave., in Iowa City. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, June 17, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Iowa City.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be deeply appreciated to the Regina Foundation, regina.org or Regina Catholic School, 2150 Rochester Ave., Iowa City, IA 52245.