Jeanette M. "Kochert" Kiefer Obituary (1921 - 2022)

Georgetown, Indiana JEANETTE MARY (KOCHERT) KIEFER 1921-2022 Jeanette Mary (Kochert) Kiefer, 101, passed away peacefully at home in Georgetown, Indiana, surrounded by family, on April 27, 2022. Jeanette will be missed for many reasons, including her ability to make every person she met feel loved unconditionally. She welcomed everyone with open arms and had an ability to listen and understand each person she interacted with in a loving and welcoming way. Jeanette was born and raised in Lanesville, Indiana. She was raised on a family farm, getting up early to milk cows before school. She graduated from Lanesville High School and Spencerian Business College in Louisville, Kentucky, then worked for the US Quartermaster. Jeanette was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Eugene Kiefer. They were married for 55 years and raised five children on a farm on Dutch Creek Road in Washington County, Indiana. Jeanette and Gene traveled widely across the US, Canada, Mexico, Cuba, Central America, and Europe. They developed a love for learning, exploring, and compassion that they passed on to all. Jeanette was strong, practical, diplomatic, and resourceful. She was a certified dynamite operator, a master seamstress, and a talented gardener. She was a local 4-H leader, a welcoming "mother of us all," and a lifelong member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Salem. Jeanette's heart, mind, and spirit were strong, and all who knew her were blessed by her example. Jeanette was preceded in death by her husband, James Eugene Kiefer; son Patrick Kiefer and daughter-in-law Peggy Kiefer; parents, Frank and Orabelia (Geis) Kochert; and eight brothers and sisters. She is survived by 2 daughters and 2 sons: Karen Paul of Miami, Florida; Sue Hammersmith (Al Uniacke) of St. Paul, Minnesota; Tom Kiefer (Clara) of Georgetown, Indiana; and Bob Kiefer of Martinsburg, Indiana. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and over 100 nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Sunday, May 1, 10 AM-12 PM, at Gelbach and Royse Funeral Home, 7420 Hwy. 64, Georgetown, Indiana. Funeral Mass and burial will be Monday, May 2, 11 AM at St. Patrick's Church, 208 S. Shelby Street, in Salem, Indiana. Jeanette was a lifelong member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Salem, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Patrick's Church designated for cemetery care and preservation.