Henry E. “Hank” Kieffer, age 68 of Celina, Texas passed away on June 27, 2012 in Dallas of complications from treatment of leukemia. He was born June 13, 1944 in Lake Orion, Michigan to Marianne L. Stauffacher and George W. Kieffer. On August 20, 1966, Hank married Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” Atterbury in Alexandria, Virginia.
Hank is survived by his wife, Betsy Kieffer of Celina, Texas; two sons, Kevin Kieffer and his wife, Jennifer of Prosper, Texas, Matt Kieffer and his wife, Jessica of Prosper, Texas; five grandchildren, Julia, Katie, Jake, Carson, and Callie Kieffer; sister, Georgianna Kuebler and her husband, Wayne of Engadine, Michigan; brother, Ken Kieffer of Gig Harbor, Washington and several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Mass will be held at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Plano, Texas on July 27, 2012 at 11:00 am with Father Anthony Lackland presiding.
Countless people knew what a special and kind man Hank was. The last two years have been extremely difficult as he fought an amazing and taxing battle with cancer. If you met Hank, you could never forget his sense of humor, energetic personality or his ability to make everyone feel special. Our hope is for everyone to remember the fun loving and sweet spirit with which he lived each day.
Hank loved his life. He loved God, his two sons Kevin and Matt, his grandchildren, fishing at his lake house, and riding his horse Ginger. Above all, what he loved more than anything else is his wife Betsy. They would have been married for 46 years in August.
Although Hank lived with simple joys, he had a list of accomplishments that most are not aware of. Hank was valedictorian of his class at Wheeling Jesuit University where he played Varsity Basketball and met the love of his life. After receiving his PhD in Organic Chemistry from Notre Dame, Dr. Kieffer became Chief Technical Officer at Celanese Corporation where he spent his entire career and held various executive positions. He worked in Germany for 5 years and became fluent in German. He retired at age 55 and travelled the world with his family. Hank and Betsy finally settled in Celina where he traded in his business suits for boots, cargo shorts and a cowboy hat. Along the way, he never lost sight of the most important values in life - God and family.
The last two years were especially hard on Hank. His cancer returned with a vengeance after 15 years in remission. Throughout his battle, family and friends provided overwhelming support and comfort to him. We are so touched by the kindness shown by all. Although he is no longer with us in body, he will always remain with us in spirit.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.