October 02, 1946 - December 07, 2023
Wayne Edward Kiefer was born October 2, 1946, to Franklin Edward Kiefer and Doris Ruth Rounsley Kiefer in Olympia, Washington. Wayne grew up in the Olympia area and attended Olympia High School while still living with his family on Tom Evans Rd. in N Olympia. In October 1963 toward the end of his high school, Wayne enlisted in the US Navy. Wayne was stationed out of San Diego, California, and served two enlistments. During that time, he was deployed to Viet Nam and the Black Sea of Russia. It was in the Navy that Wayne found his passion for water and the sea. Wayne became a Boatswain's Mate Third Class before he left the Navy, commanding ship to shore boats. Wayne’s second enlistment ended in December 1969, where he received an honorable discharge. During his lifetime, Wayne owned two sailboats and spent much time sailing the Puget Sound in Western Washington, enjoying the salty air and sea lapping at his boat. Wayne had a gift of working with electronics. In 1980, Wayne began working for Cable TV doing installations. Next, he was hired by Tacoma Boat Building Company to work as an electrician. Wayne worked on two different ferries that the State of Washington contracted Tacoma Boat to build. After several years of being an electrician, Wayne decided to change his occupation so that he could travel and see more of the United States. So, Wayne got his endorsement to drive semi-trucks, and made deliveries all over the Western States. For a short time, Wayne drove school buses, and had a handyman business building decks, awnings, and doing general repairs for mobile home parks. Wayne retired early from his handyman business, due to breathing difficulties. Wayne enjoyed hunting, fishing and fixing things. He had a gift of being able to start up conversations with strangers making fast friends. He was a kind man who loved people and would give the shirt off his back if someone was in need. Wayne met and married Collene Engle in 1980. They were married for 25 wonderful years. Wayne lived in Spokane Washington for the past 4½ years in an assisted living facility, until his death on December 7, 2023. Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Franklin Edward Kiefer; his mother, Doris Ruth Rounsley Kiefer Peterson; his brother, William (Bill) Sidney Hart, the III; and his sisters, Gail Anne Kiefer, Linda Marie Kiefer Smith, Sandy Kay Peterson Krook, and Theresa (Terry) May Peterson; and his step parents Richard (Dick) Spearman Peterson and Donna Lee Halstead Peterson; and Donna’s four step-daughters: Jill Renee Dewey, Cynthia Bringham Hood, Pamela Bringham Huntley, and Janice Bringham McBeth. Wayne is survived by his daughter, Talie Louise Kiefer of Olympia, WA; his youngest brother Jimmy Lee Kiefer (wife Linda M.) of Chewelah, WA, and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service has not been scheduled. Donations are appreciated to PTSD and Bi-Polar Research Foundations. -
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