Eugene (Gene) M Kieffer died May 12, 2026, at the age of 86. He was born on June 20, 1939, to Wilmer and Vera Kieffer in Lancaster, PA.

Gene was a loved son, brother, father, husband, Pa, Uncle, and friend.

On November 11, 1967, Gene married Sally Reisinger. Gene and Sally moved into their home in Ephrata on July 6, 1972, where they lived for over 50 years together.

Gene was an avid hunter, spending countless hours in the woods during small game season. He found most enjoyment in pheasant hunting, especially during the years he could take his sons and later, his grandchildren. Gene enjoyed his trips to Glen Hope, PA for deer season and sharing laughs and stories with family and friends at “The Farm.”

You would be hard pressed to find a country music song that Gene did not know or a Western he was not familiar with. He loved old and new county alike, asking questions like, “Who sings that song, ‘Pretty Good at Drinking Beer?’” and could name every actor who ever stared in ‘The Virginian,’ or ‘Bonanza’.

Gene stayed busy – whether playing tennis, daily walks and runs, or washing his car – he was consistently on the move.

Gene was a member of the Grace Church in Ephrata where he and his wife faithfully attended.

Gene was always hard at work, whether at Dairy Queen, New Holland Supply, CP Wenger Foods, or mowing and maintenance. Gene took immense pride in his work at Dutchman Feeds where he had the opportunity to meet many farmers that turned into friends.

Gene and Sally lived their late years in State College close to family.

Gene is proceeded in death by his parents Wilmer and Vera Kieffer, his wife Sally Kieffer, and many beloved in-laws, aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends – with whom he talked about constantly.

Gene is survived by his sons Ted Kieffer (Theresa) and Tim Kieffer (Kelly Ann), his grandchildren Mikayla Koudela (Lonnie), Halen Kieffer, Tayten and Graysen Kieffer, brother Gary Kieffer.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with a Celebration of Life service beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Gravenor Sipler Funeral & Cremation Centre; 100 W. Main Street, Ephrata, PA 17522. Gene’s final resting place will be at Memory Gardens in Ephrata.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Centre County Youth Service Bureau, a non-profit where his granddaughter works. In honor of Gene, please join us in raising a Yuengling—his favorite beer—in a final toast to a life well lived!