Lillian Lorraine Kiefat

Lillian Lorraine Kiefat, 92, longtime resident of Grand Forks/East Grand Forks, passed away on Aug. 4, 2017. For the past two years, she resided at Bethany on 42nd in Fargo, ND. Lillian was born Nov. 4, 1924 in McVille, ND, the daughter of Ludvig and Lena Randklev. She was the eldest of 4 children all of whom were orphaned at a young age. Lillian was raised from the age of 7 until early adulthood at the Lake Park Children’s Orphanage in Lake Park, MN. After graduation, Lillian worked various jobs between Devils Lake, Fargo and Grand Forks. She met her future husband, George A. Kiefat in Grand Forks and they were married on Dec. 24, 1946. Together they settled and resided as farmers outside of Grand Forks and later moved into the city. George and Lillian were blessed with 7 children during their union of 59 years together.  Lillian worked as a ward clerk at all three of the hospitals in Grand Forks while raising her family. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, visiting on the telephone with her friends and family, and taking nice long walks with dad. When she retired, George and Lillian spent time each winter in California visiting both of their daughters. Throughout their years, they enjoyed spending their summers going to the horseshoe tournaments, motorcycle hill climbs, and any event their sons and grandchildren participated in. They also enjoyed the family gatherings for BBQ’s, car washing and visiting in front of the house for hours with her family, friends and grandchildren. Mom’s greatest achievement was her ability to listen and raise each one of her 7 children as their own individual. She gave them all the ability to be confident, strong, independent, caring people. Lillian is survived by her children, Gail Kranzler (Richard), Gary Kiefat (Florestella), Gene Kiefat (Donna), Donnie Kiefat, Barb Baker (Ralph) and Paul Kiefat (Lisa); she also has 12 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and a daughter-in-law, Norma Kiefat. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ludvig and Lena Randklev; husband, George; son, Joe; brother, Elmer Randklev; sisters, Ethel Johnson and Ruthy Rasmusgard; and one granddaughter, Jamie Baker. Funeral Services will be 2:00 PM Friday, August 11, 2017 in Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church of Grand Forks. Visitation will be for the hour before the service in the church. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery of Grand Forks.