Bernard A. Kiefer

Bernard A. Kiefer , 90, lifelong resident of Frackville, died July 4, 2012 at home surrounded by his family.

Born in Frackville on July 21, 1921 to the late Lawrence and Caroline Miller Kiefer. He died in the home in which he was born.

Bernie was a member of St. Joseph's Church, Frackville. He attended St. Joseph's Elementary School and was a 1939 graduate of Frackville High School.

He was an army veteran of World War II, serving as a staff sergeant in the First Division known as the Big Red One. Bern participated in three major military campaigns, the Invasion of North Africa, the Invasion of Sicily and the D-Day Invasion at Omaha Beach. He served his country with great pride and honor. He earned a Purple Heart, 2 Oak Leaf Clusters and a Bronze Star for his service to his country.

In 1949 he married Helen Baranowsky and they raised 4 children, Bern, Jim, Patti and Carol. They were happily married for 62 years. He was a printer by trade and worked at the Record American newspaper in Mahanoy City before moving to Creative Printing in Ashland, where he worked until he retired. Bernie was an avid golfer achieving 2 holes in one. All his life he enjoyed watching and playing sports. Bernie was a Little League coach in the 1950's; one of the original members of the James Hogan Council of the Knights of Columbus; and a member of the Frackville Elks and the Frackville American Legion Post 398.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Larry, Dan, Peggy (Fiorillo) and Catherine (Bugdanewicz). Surviving are his wife, Helen; his children, Bern and his wife, Sally of Allentown; Jim, Frackville; Patti and her husband Atty. Paul Domalakes, Frackville; and Carol and her husband Tim Twardzik, Frackville; and sister, Joan Fennelly, Frackville. Bernie's legacy lives on in his 9 grandchildren: Alex Kiefer, New York City; Katy Kiefer, Washington, DC.; Meredith Domalakes, Annie Domalakes; Paul Luke Domalakes and Madeline Domalakes, Frackville; Adam Twardzik, Arlington, VA; Eric Twardzik, Boston, MA; and Ryan Twardzik, Frackville; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Bernard will be known for his easy going attitude and great sense of humor. He will be remembered by townspeople for riding his bike every morning through Frackville until the age of 87.  His grandchildren will remember sitting by his side listening to his stories of the war and his early life growing up in Frackville. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and an all around nice guy!

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 7, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. in St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Frackville with Rev. Robert Finlan, pastor, as the celebrant. Interment will be in the parish cemetery, Englewood, Frackville. Friends may call at the church from 9am to 11:30am.

Contributions can be made to the St. Joseph's Memorial Fund or the Frackville Free Public Library, 56 N. Lehigh Ave, Frackville, PA.