Herbert William Kief, 95

Published 11:47 am Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, Herbert William Kief, 95, is dancing the jitterbug in Heaven with his loving wife of 67 years, Janet Schaefer Kief. Herb passed away Wednesday, November 20. Herb grew up in Norwood, OH with his parents, George and Erna Kief, brother “Buddy” and sister Erna. He got his driver’s license at the age of twelve and was often seen driving his mother around town. After graduating Norwood High School, Herb went on to the University of Cincinnati. He has been an avid Bearcat fan ever since. He married Janet in April and went on to graduate in May of 1951, with a Degree in Business. While at Ohio State University, earning his MBA, Janet worked as assistant secretary to Governor Lausche, of Ohio. Herb was awarded a Fellowship at Xavier University, to get his PhD and become a mathematics professor. As we often see, life had other plans. On the day he posted his thesis, he received his draft notice from the U.S. Army for the Korean War. He was bound for Germany. Because of his higher education, his commanding officer often encouraged Herb to begin a military career as a commissioned officer. Herb declined because he had a baby on the way, and he decided to pursue a career in business. He was honorably discharged from the Army as a Staff Sergeant. Herb became Vice President of Palmer Engineering, before becoming co-owner of Hitt Equipment, and later, also TPF. They were distributors of anything that measured, controlled, and regulated temperature, pressure, and flow in industrial manufacturing. Herb had to often travel, visiting customers all over the country. Hitt Equipment and TPF were his fifth child, and he nurtured and loved them into very successful businesses. Anyone that knew Herb knew he had a love of sweets. Because he traveled so much, he kept a package of Mama’s Cookies under his seat for lunch. Growing up, if there wasn’t a snack in the house, we knew where to look! Through the years, he served on the Princeton School Board, he was president of the congregation at Zion United Church of Christ, he was an active, lifetime member of THEONES, he never missed a year deer hunting in Michigan with his lifetime friends, and he loved to travel, always driving to his destinations in a Cadillac. No other car would do. Herb’s recipe for longevity? Believe in Jesus Christ; marry the love of your life; raise your children in love; be honest and trusting; if you’re going to do something, do it right; and eat ice cream every day. Herb is survived by his children, Cindy Barry (David Service), Bill (Janet) Kief, Kelly (Dan) Kennedy, and Jenny (Rick) Drury; grandchildren, Nicole Cameron, Shawn (Lesley) Kennedy, Ann Marie Kennedy, Elizabeth (Doug) Burton and Jayde Kief; and great-grandchildren Brady and Kayla Cameron, and Coco Burton. A family service will be held at Spring Grove Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Clark County Community Services, 30 Taylor Ave, Winchester, KY 40391