Curtis Dale Keifer

Curtis Dale Keifer, who was born Sept. 28, 1942, died peacefully surrounded by family at the age of 82 on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Charles City, Iowa after fighting a battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held at Grace United Methodist Church in Floyd, Iowa on January 11, 2025. The viewing will be from 2-4 p.m., with services to follow at 4 p.m. A luncheon will be served after services in the fellowship hall. A private burial will be held at a later date at Oakwood Cemetery in Floyd.

Curtis graduated from Charles City High School. He married Elaine Keifer on April 2, 1960, and went on to have three children, Curtis, Laura and Debra.

Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to working on his farm, owning and managing the Greenfield Trailer Court, and building a career in the concrete business. After “retirement,” he worked at Ace Hardware in Charles City, where he formed many lasting friendships. He also stayed active by driving Floyd County veterans to their medical appointments, a role he deeply enjoyed as a way to give back to those who served.

Curtis was a dedicated farmer, he found purpose in the rhythm of the seasons and teaching generations about hard work and what it means to truly care for something. After he was forced to quit farming due to health issues, he said that he truly missed the smell of the soil when it first turned over in the Spring.

Beyond the fields, Curtis had a talent for bringing things to life. Whether he was restoring old Oliver tractors to their former glory, building the home he and Elaine shared on the farm, or crafting something beautiful in his woodworking shop, his hands were always busy creating.

His lawn was a masterpiece, meticulously maintained, and his knack for making things shine extended far beyond the grass. He taught us all the value of taking pride in our work and caring for the things—and people—we cherish.

Curtis loved life’s simple joys: traveling to see the world beyond the farm, playing cribbage (where he always seemed to win), and enjoying ice cream, popcorn, and peanuts—often all in one evening.

Quick with a joke and sharp with a tease, you always knew you were special to him if he gave you a hard time. His sense of humor was legendary, as was his generosity and knack for knowing just about everyone.

Through it all, Curtis was a man who could always be counted on and whose presence made the world a little brighter.

He was happily married to Elaine Keifer for 63 years. He was a proud father to three children, Curtis Keifer (Charles City, Iowa), Laura (Dave) Gordon (Charles City, Iowa), and Debra (Richard) Johnson (Charles City, Iowa). His favorite entertainment was his grandchildren and great grandchildren, Jessica (Dave) Miller (Beaver Dam, Wisc.), Dale Keifer (Boone, Iowa), Stephanie (Matt) Dose (Granger, Iowa), Richard (Pam) Johnson (Charles City, Iowa), Delany (Tyler) Keifer (Osage, Iowa), Sean Gordon (Charles City, Iowa). Great-grandchildren are Autumn, Zoe, Kyle, Emberlyn, Kaden, Greyson, Brecken, Draven, Dahlia, Kaylee, and Karson. He is survived by his sister, Patty (Tom) Palmersheim (Nashua, Iowa).

He was preceded in death by his wife Elaine Keifer; son Curtis Allen Keifer; son-in-law Richard Johnson; son-in-law David Gordon; and parents Dale and Florence Keifer.

The family has requested in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to St. Croix Hospice, 302 N Grand Ave Ste. 5, Charles City, IA 50616. Any cash donations can be dropped off at the office.

Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, 1205 South Main Street, Charles City, Iowa 50616 is in charge of local arrangements. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall for the family at www.hauserfh.com.