Mathias E. “Matt” Kiefer, age 83, 935 Evergreen Road, Huntington, IN died at 6:30 pm, Friday (March 24, 2006) at Miller’s Merry Manor, Huntington, IN.

     Mr. Kiefer retired in 1985 from General Motors in Marion where he was a welder for over 30 years.  He was a member of the Good Shepherd Church in Huntington, the Sympathy Club of G.M. in Marion and the U.A.W. Local # 977 in Marion.    

     Mr. Kiefer was born July 16, 1922 in Huntington to Frank and Opal (Brenneman) Kiefer.  On November 17, 1945, he married Joan Lawson in Huntington.  Matt was a WWII veteran of the United States Army where he was awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart with one oak leaf cluster.  He was also awarded the Eastern Africa Middle East Campaign Ribbon with five Bronze Star Devices.    

     Survivors include his wife of 60 years – Joan Kiefer of Huntington; four sons – Terry W. (Darlene) Kiefer of Perrysburg, OH; Mark G. (Vickie) Kiefer of Huntington; Martin D. Kiefer of St. Petersburg, Fl and Timothy L. (Melissa) Kiefer of  Noblesville, IN; two brothers – Thomas Kiefer of Huntington and Glen (Shirley) Kiefer of Huntington; three sisters – Esther Warkentien of Huntington, Chaltha Taylor of Huntington and Theresa Davis of Columbia City, IN;  8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.  Brothers – Richard Kiefer, Joe Kiefer, Robert Kiefer, Hank Kiefer, George Kiefer and Harry Kiefer, and sisters – Mary Lucille Karst and Betty Wooley, preceded him in death.   

     Visitation will be 4-8 pm Tuesday (March 28, 2006) at the Bailey-Love Mortuary.  Funeral services will be 10 am Wednesday (March 29, 2006) at Bailey-Love Mortuary with Rev. Richard Frederick and Rev. Stan McCammon officiating.  Burial will be in Gardens of Memory, Huntington County, with the V.F.W. Post #2689 performing the graveside military rites.

     Memorial contributions may be made to the Miller's Merry Manor Activities Department or Cancer Services of Huntington County in care of the Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN  46750.