John Edgar Kiefer

John Edgar Kiefer of Mills River, NC died on March 24, 2023, of complications from a fall. Born in Aurora, Illinois on March 18, 1949, John attended K.D. Waldo Junior High and graduated from East Aurora High School in 1968, where he was senior class vice president. He attended Northern Illinois University, pursuing a business degree. He lived much of his life in the Chicago area, relocating to Asheville in 2005, to be closer to his wife’s family. John’s 35-year career in the real estate data industry included serving as national account manager, director of sales and marketing, and senior vice president of companies providing appraisal and valuation products to major title companies and lenders nationwide. Earlier in his career, as a sales executive with TRW, John was a member of the President’s Club as top producer in the Chicago Market each year. In addition, John was active in several mortgage bankers’ associations. After retiring in 2019, John joined the Biltmore Estate’s parking and transportation team, where he enjoyed providing hospitality to guests and often accepted additional assignments beyond his shift.

A successful athlete on East Aurora High School’s golf and football teams and member of the Letterman Club, John’s lifelong love of sports led him to become a Little League coach for his sons’ teams, and referee of football and basketball games and instructional camps at the high school and college level. In addition to his demanding sales career involving nationwide travel, many week and weekend nights John served as referee for thousands of games over a 53-year period, including officiating at six state championship games for football and basketball. He was a member of numerous athletic organizations including the National Association of Sports Officials, Northern Athletics Conference Basketball Officials, and the Midwest Conference Officials. In addition, he was a long-time member of the East High Old Timers, supporting high school sports activities. After relocating to Asheville, he officiated football and basketball games at local and regional high schools and colleges.

In retirement, John enjoyed international travel, gardening, golf, and spending time with his family. He could often be found walking his beloved dog, Daisy, greeting neighbors with a friendly word.

John was preceded in death by his parents F. LeRoy and Dixie Divine Kiefer, and sons Scott and Dan Kiefer. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years Alexandra Rathbun Kiefer, stepdaughters Christa and Susannah Eversman, granddaughter Morgan Kiefer, and cousin Bobby McAnally.

John will be remembered for his unfailing kindness, generosity and positive attitude, and his devotion to family, sports, and animals. He displayed exceptional negotiating skills in many different situations not only in sports and business, but in life.

The family is grateful for the love and support from neighbors and friends during John’s illness. A memorial service will be held at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian on Saturday, April 29 at 2:00 pm EST and will be streamed lived directly below his obituary on www.grocefuneralhome.com starting at 1:25 PM EST. Memorials may be made to Valley River Humane Society, 7450 US 19 N, Marble, NC 28905.

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