Obituary of Reinhardt J Kieffer

OBITUARY Reinhardt J Kieffer, 98, of Cape May passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 8, 2012 at his home. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. A veteran of World War II, he proudly served his country as a member of the US Army. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Elena Pellicciante from Genoe, Italy; his parents John & Lilah Kieffer; his sister Margaret; and brother John. Surviving are his: brothers Riachard & Paul; sisters Mary & Bernadette; sons John, William, Michael, & Raphael; daughters Maria, Antonella, & Sandra (with her husband Troy); 6 grandchildren; and 4 great grandchildren. Reinhardt was the oldest of 7 children born and raised in Manitowoc, WI. After studying German, Latin, and religious studies at a seminary college in Wisconsin, he was drafted into the US Army when he was 28 years old. He was sent to Germany and was assigned to the detachment of counter-intelligence. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge from December 16th 1944 to January 23rd 1945. After the war, he stayed in Europe and took 6 months of Russian language and counter-intelligence. During this time is when he met his future wife, Elena, They were wed at the Vatican in 1949. They spent the next 18 years, moving every four years, from the US to Europe and back again; serving four overseas tours and having seven children along the way. He served for a total of 23 years and retired as a Captain in 1965. One year later, he took a civil service job where he worked until 1985. In 1986 he and Elena retired here in Cape May, NJ. Reinhardt was recognized for his efforts in WWII serving in combat with the 104th "Timberwolf" Infantry Division. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, WWII Army of Occupation Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal. Within his community, he was a member of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, Knights of Columbus, TRIAD (Chairman 1997), and AARP (Secretary, n.d.). He has earned The Legion of Honor Award presented by the Chapel of Four Chaplains. His favorite pastime leisure activity involved bowling. Services will be held at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at Our Lady Star of the Sea RC Church, 525 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204. Donations in his memory may be sent to : Animal Outreach, PO Box 1225, Cape May, NJ 08204; the SPCA, 3941 Bayshore Rd, Cape May, NJ 08204; or to your local Salvation Army to support displaced victims of Hurricane Sandy. To share condolences, please visit www.evoyfuneralhome.com.