Barbara Kiefer

Barbara Jean (Ford) Kiefer

April 8, 1928 –October 9, 2019

Barbara passed peacefully, surrounded by love, after a short decline in health this past year.  She was 91.  Born to Dennis Ford and Emilie (Benesh) Ford in Fargo, ND, she was raised on the family farm outside of Cassleton, ND along with her brother John and sisters Mary, Dorothy, Lois and Margaret.

She went on to graduate from St. John’s School of Nursing in Fargo, ND and became a Registered Nurse.  After meeting Moorhead resident Bruce Kiefer on a blind date in early 1950, they married in September, before Bruce was recalled in to the Navy for the Korean War.  They spent part of their early life in California where Bruce was stationed, and returned to Fargo/Moorhead and Crookston, MN to have four children.  Barbara worked for many years as an RN at St. Luke’s Hospital in Fargo.   Bruce and Barb retired to the Perham, MN area in 1984, overlooking the south shore of Little Pine Lake.

She is survived by son Mark of Wayzata, MN, son and daughter-in-law Jim (Kyle) of Northbrook, IL, daughter Katie of Steamboat Springs, CO, daughter-in-law JoAnn Bauer Kiefer of Fergus Falls, MN, grandchildren AJ (Anna) of London, UK, Matthew (Amy) of Chicago, IL, Sam (Sarah) of Fergus Falls, MN, Daniel (Catherine) of Chicago, IL, Abigail (Tyler) of Minneapolis, MN, great-granddaughters Julia and Noelle of Chicago, IL, step-great-granddaughter Kaylee Heidebrink, her sister Margaret (Peggy) Cline of Marshall, MN, sister-in-law Janet Martin of Perham and LaMesa, CA, brother-in-Law John Kiefer of Aptos, CA, Kurt’s partner Mark Amon of Moorhead, MN and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Bruce and son Kurt.

A service will be held in celebration of Barbara’s life on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at Calvary Lutheran Church, Perham, MN.  Visitation from 9:00-11:00 a.m. with the service 11:15. Please wear something flowered to celebrate Barb’s love of flowers and gardening.  All are invited to join the family after the service for a light lunch in the fellowship hall.

Memorial Gifts may be made to Audubon Minnesota in her name.
https://act.audubon.org/onlineactions/5Kp_tdyWyEm6Ltku-ukVlg2?ms=giving_page_85

The family wishes to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Northwinds Memory Care in Perham, MN and Hospice of the Red River Valley for their loving and compassionate care for Barbara in her final weeks.

Private interment at Minnesota Veteran’s Cemetery, Little Falls, MN at a later date.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com

Barbara's Memorial Folder