Mary Clare Kieffer

Mary C. Kieffer, 67, of Appleton, Minnesota, died on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at the Appleton Care Center.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, on Monday, September 30, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Appleton, with a prayer service at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am. Interment will be in the Appleton City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to the MS Society. Zniewski Funeral Home-Vaala Chapel of Appleton is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Mary Clare Kieffer was born on January 18, 1957, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, the daughter of John and Dorothy (Dubuque) Rakoczy. She was baptized, confirmed and married at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Reynolds, North Dakota. She attended elementary grade school in Reynolds and when the new Central Valley School was built she finished her schooling there and graduated from High School in 1975.

Mary was united in marriage to Robert Kieffer on November 8, 1980, and they made their home in Appleton, Minnesota. This union was blessed with over 43 years of marriage. She worked for the First State Bank in Buxton, North Dakota for just a few years and upon moving to Appleton she was employed by Farmers and Merchants State Bank for 20 years. In May of 2001 Mary became disabled due to Multiple Sclerosis. Mary enjoyed playing BINGO, being the oldest of ten siblings, and time spent outdoors appreciating nature. She loved to spend time with her family and friends. Mary entered the Appleton Care Center on July 1, 2015. Mary’s favorite thing to watch on TV was the game show Jeopardy and on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, during an episode of her favorite show Mary was called from this life at the Appleton Care Center. She attained the age of 67 years, 8 months, and 7 days.  She was known for her smile, which everyone commented on.

Mary is survived by her husband Robert Kieffer of Appleton; daughter Jamie (Brad) Feuchtenberger and grandchildren Blair, Brady, Kenna and Kenzie, of Morris; Her father John Rakoczy; nine siblings, Dorothy Jackson of Fargo, Kenny Rakoczy of Reynolds, North Dakota, Karen (Brent) Nelson, of Golden Valley, Jim Rakoczy of Plymouth, Betty (Marty) Hagan, of Cloverdale, Indiana, Ray (Michelle) Rakoczy of Grand Forks, North Dakota, Tony Rakoczy of Scottsdale, Arizona, Clara (Wade) Chambers of Grand Forks, North Dakota, and Jeanne (Todd) Hegg of Thompson, North Dakota; and several other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her mother Dorothy.  Blessed be her memory.