West Bend, WI – Terrance “Terry” Kiekhaefer, 73, of West Bend, WI, passed away peacefully at home on June 14, 2025.
Terry was born to Merlin (Pete) and Evelyn on August 9, 1951, in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. He graduated from West Bend High School in 1969 and joined the US Marine Corps on August 19, 1969. When asked how long he served he would say, “one year 11 months and 11 days.”
He was an integral member of the base personnel office and spent time in Okinawa Japan. Terry was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Rifle Expert Badge, Certificate of Commendation and Meritorious Mast.
After the Marines, he started a job on the garbage service for the City of West Bend. He built his career with the City of West Bend and retired as the Director of Water Utility, Public Works and Vehicle Maintenance in October of 2009. One of his highest achievements was kickstarting the Public Works Mutual Assistance Program at the local level, and eventually at the statewide level which was signed into law by Governor Jim Doyle.
Terry is survived by his wife Michelle, children, Travis (Christine), Donna (Danny), Grant (Alex), April (Justin) and Lauren. Further survived by his brothers, William (Penny) of Horicon, John Kiekhaefer of Horicon, sisters Linda (Jim) Stockhausen of Newburg, Mary (John) of Georgia, and sister in law Jennifer Kohman of Beaver Dam. Grandchildren, Alexa, Madysen (Miles), Kinlee, Kori, Brooks, Wren and baby girl due November. Great grand-children, Lilah and Violet. Terry is further survived by Aunt Jean McDowell, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Last but not least, his goofy and beloved golden retriever, Quincy.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Merlin and Evelyn, brother Robert Kiekhaefer, stepmother Florine, stepfather Leo Chilson Sr., stepbrothers Jeff Kohman, Charlie Acker and his in-laws Sylvester and Helen Mueller, and other relatives and friends.
Terry enjoyed staying busy by cutting wood every summer, hunting, making picnic tables and benches for the local gun club, shooting trap, and taking care of his lawn and garden. Terry was truly a “jack of all trades”, able to fix anything and everything. This passion started in his childhood taking apart radios and other small items and putting them back together again. He passed these skills on to his children, and they feel blessed to have learned them from him. Each one spent time as his assistant on household and automotive projects – always being careful to not “shine the light in the worker’s eyes.” Terry found many good friends at St. Luke and started a group called “The Gathering” where church members would gather for family parties on a regular basis. Terry was the embodiment of being a “good neighbor.” He was always volunteering to help anyone that needed it, another trait he passed on to his children.
Terry was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church, served on various committees and the council, and was the chair of the building committee overseeing the addition in 1997. He was an involved member of the Union Rod & Gun Club and served as secretary, proudly receiving the Member of the Year award in 2017.
A very special thank you to his caregiver, Maggie Hudson, his nurse Renee and the Preceptor Team, Dr. Brennan of Froedtert, Dr. Douglas Brown, Pr. Joshua Gyson, Washington County Share Ride Taxi, Aurora Exercise/Rehab and Phillip Funeral Home.
The funeral will take place at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 4860 Arthur Rd., Slinger, WI 53086 on Sunday, July 13. Visitation from noon to 3 p.m.
Service 3 p.m. followed by a reception and refreshments. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Luke Lutheran Church or the Union Rod & Gun Club are appreciated.
As Terry would always say, “take er easy!”