James "Jim" Kiefer, age 87, of Annandale, formerly of Bloomington, died on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center in Gilbert, Arizona.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 20, 2026, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Annandale with Fr. Kevin Magner as Celebrant. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Burial with military honors will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

James Kiefer was born on August 16, 1938, in Hague, North Dakota to Frank and Eva (Johs) Kiefer. He dedicated his life to family, faith, and a strong work ethic that was reflected in both his personal and professional endeavors.

Along with his six siblings, Jim grew up in Hague, where he attended school. A proud veteran, Jim enlisted in the Army National Guard, serving during the Berlin Crisis until his discharge from active duty in 1963. He married Virlene Grad on April 11, 1964, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Herried, South Dakota. Together, they moved to Richfield briefly before settling in Bloomington, where they raised their three children.

Jim worked in construction, first in erecting grain elevators, followed by committing 37 years to Schindler Elevator, where he built elevators and escalators. Beyond his profession, Jim held a deep faith and was a member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church, as well as the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Maple Lake American Legion.

An avid fisherman and golfer, Jim cherished moments spent outdoors or at the card table with family and friends, but his greatest joy came from the time spent with family, especially his grandchildren. He was a driver at heart, both on the road and in life, guided by purpose and committed to seeing every task was completed.

He is survived by his wife, Virlene of Annandale; children, Natalie Lynch of Bloomington, Jamie (David) Davies of Long Beach, CA, and Wayne (Katie) Kiefer of Buffalo, MN; 10 grandchildren, Ashley, Connor, Alex, Reina, Bella, Talia, Livianna, Jasper, Dylan, and Tiana; siblings, Bertha Holzer and Shirley Kiefer; siblings-in-law, Violet Kiefer, Robert (Theresa) Grad, Joseph (Sharon) Grad, Cecelia (Doug) Rueb, and Linda (James) Masterson; and nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Jerry, Victor, and Robert Kiefer, and Pat Jurena.

Jim's grandchildren will serve as urn bearers. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.

Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute, and Funeral Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com