14 Nov Magdalena “Maggie” Kiefer
Magdalena “Maggie” Kiefer, 84, Bismarck, passed away peacefully with family by her side on November 11, 2022. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anne’s Catholic Church on Saturday, November 19, at 10:00 a.m. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed on the Bismarck Funeral Home Facebook page. Visitation will be held at Bismarck Funeral Home on Friday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary service at 7:00 p.m.
Maggie was born at the family’s farm near Zeeland, ND, on February 23, 1938, the second eldest child of John and Mary (Weisbeck) Meier. She married Aloys Kiefer on June 22, 1959, and shortly thereafter moved to Bismarck.
In addition to raising her six children, Maggie had a long and fulfilling career as a certified nursing assistant at St. Vincent’s Nursing Home. The residents adored her! She was very generous with her time and talents, a selfless giver, always helping others. Maggie attended St. Anne’s Catholic Church and was actively involved with the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and the local Christian Women’s Club. Many will remember Maggie for her quick smile, inviting and calm nature, as well as her playful sense of humor.
Maggie was an expert in embroidery and crochet and was known for creating beautiful dish towels and doilies. Her talents extended to the kitchen, where she effortlessly whipped up delicious meals and baked goods from scratch. Everything tasted better when Grandma Maggie made it! She also enjoyed playing cards, dancing polkas, meeting friends for coffee, tending to her bountiful garden, and traveling around the country to visit her children and grandchildren.
At the end of her life, Maggie fought a tough battle with Alzheimer’s disease and its devastating effects. For her close friends and family, the past few years were a long goodbye. There is great peace in knowing that she now rests in the arms of Jesus.
Magdalena is survived by her husband of 63 years, Aloys; her children: Francis (Sarah) Kiefer, CO; Gary (Brenda) Kiefer, IA; Larry (Sloan) Kiefer, SC; Duane (Kathy) Kiefer, CO; LeAnna (Dave) Trosen, OR; and Allen (Nichole) Kiefer, ND; her 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters; Mary Helen Krein, Cecilia (Richard) Wanner, Judy (Joe) Schwingler and Dee Heintz, and brothers; Cyprian Meier and John (Kathy) Meier. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Meier; brothers Adam and Steve; and sisters Julia and Agnes.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
I worked with Maggie, along with Marcella Gillig(my mother-in-law) at St. Vincent’s back in 1971. Maggie was an awsome person. RIP Maggie and prayers to your family.
Maggie & her family were neighbors across the street when I was a kid growing up. Maggie was such a caring and giving person! I worked with Maggie at St. Vincent’s when I was in high school. She was such a hard worker. Prayers for her family! RIP Maggie!
Oh, Aloys, we are so very sorry to hear of Maggie passing away. You and Maggie hold such special places in our hearts. I will always remember our 3-year old Alec riding his bike a few houses down to sit with Maggie on her swing to visit as if they had known one another for decades. She was a remarkable woman of faith and role model. Sending love to you and asking God to give comfort to your family. Lance and Renae Larson
My deepest sympathy to Maggie’s family! I worked with Maggie at St Vincent’s Nursing Home. Her obit describes her perfectly. Kind caring, smiling, soft spoken and calm in any situation. She showed me compassion and what it took to be a good health care practitioner. Treasure all the fond memories of a wonderful lady!
Dear LeAnn,
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear mother. I lost my mom a year and a half ago so I know the emptiness that you feel. May God wrap his arms around you and your entire family and give you peace knowing that she no longer suffers.
I used to drive past their house and in the summer or spring they would be sitting outside crocheting or embroidering so every time I go by I remember that, Maggie you will be missed
Dearest Al and Family,
Seeing Maggie’s beautiful picture brings back so many great memories. As a young teenage girl, I too worked at St. Vincent’s and over the course of 3 years, was mentored by Maggie (along with M. Gillig, D. Sabot-Telin and others) we learned to treat our residents as though they were our relatives. Each day was a family reunion of sorts. Lots of hard work, smiles and laughter topped with a dollop of mischief for good measure.
She will be rewarded for the countless lives she lovingly touched. Thanks to Maggie and her mentorship, I must say my years at St. Vincent’s we’re the hardest work I’ve ever done, yet the most rewarding! She will always hold a special place in my heart!
Kiefer family: Please know that your are in the Hilzendeger family prayers. I pray that Maggie has found peace in heaven. It’s been a while since we have seen Maggie, but the thing I will remember most is her quiet smile at Kenzie and Ashlee’s sporting events. She and Aloys made sure to get to as many games as possible. Maggie would sit there quietly smiling and enjoying herself the whole time while Aloys talked to whoever he could track down and entertain:) You may have lost a beautiful lady but your family has gained a Guardian Angel. God Bless you during this difficult time.