Douglas Kiefer

Douglas Ray Kiefer (Doug), 62, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 9, 2008. A celebration of his life will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon St. in Des Moines.
Doug was a truck driver for over 30 years, however, for the past 5 ½ years, he worked as a greeter at the Windsor Heights Wal Mart. Doug’s friendly smile and kind words won the hearts of many shoppers as well as co-workers. He never knew a stranger.
In 2007, with his full white beard, jolly nature, and bigger than life laugh, Doug came to be called “Santa” by many Wal Mart shoppers and he was always ready with a sticker and hug for the children who looked up to him. During the 2007 Christmas holidays, Doug fulfilled one of his dreams when he played Santa to many children at his sister’s tea room in Red Wing, MN. If they were a bit doubtful before, the children in Red Wing were true believers after meeting Doug!
Doug had many interests, including cooking, baking, and designing bird houses and squirrel feeders. Saturday road trips were something special that he shared with his loving wife, Deb. He loved to feed “his” squirrels and birds but the furry companion closest to his heart was his schnauzer, Max, who seems to win the hearts of all the humans he meets, just like his master. Doug was stubborn and opinionated, kind and generous, a loving father, husband, and grandpa, and a loyal and true friend.
Among the countless people who will miss him, Doug is survived by his loving wife, Deb; his son Christopher; his mother Algaretta Beeler; his sisters: Bonnie (Dave) Tracy, and Susan (Sonny) McLearn; his brothers Dave (Kelly) and Dick (Bev); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Per Doug’s wishes, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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