DORIS E. KIEFFER

Doris E. Kieffer, 91, of Gowan, Minn., passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 at Essentia Health in Duluth with her family at her side.

Doris was born Doris Evelyn Nahkala on Sept. 25, 1921, in Gowan, the daughter of Mary and Jack Nahkala.

She graduated in 1938 from Floodwood High School, where she was vice-president of the French Club and active in sports and music. She married Adolph Kieffer in 1950. Doris became a licensed beautician, and from 1964 to 1971, she owned and operated her own beauty salon in St. Paul. In 1976, Doris and Adolph Kieffer returned to Doris’ childhood home in Gowan, on the banks of the St. Louis River, to retire and live out their days together.

Doris maintained an avid interest in music throughout her life, playing piano and accordion, singing in the Sweet Adelines choir (St. Paul, 1968), and winning awards for accordion orchestra and ensemble performances in 1992 and 1993. She also enjoyed cooking, canning, organic gardening, swimming, playing bridge and dancing.

She was a member of the St. Louis Catholic Church and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary in Floodwood. The role Doris treasured most, however, was that of a devoted wife and mother.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Jack Nahkala; two brothers, Vincent Nahkala and Kenneth Nahkala; and her husband, Adolph Kieffer, who passed away in October 2009.

Doris is survived by her two daughters, Monica (Michael) Kuchera of Hawthorn Woods, Ill., and Rita Kieffer of Medford, New Jersey; son, Paul Kieffer of Danville, Calif.; grandson, Samuel Kieffer-Bray of Medford, New Jersey; and brother, Floyd Nahkala of Wisconsin.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Intensive Care Unit staff at Essentia Health for their care of Doris and their support of the family in Doris’ final days.

VISITATION: 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial Friday, Oct. 19, 2012 in St. Louis Catholic Church in Floodwood. Burial will be at Hope Lutheran Cemetery. A reception celebrating the life of Doris will follow at the Fair Building on Main Street in Floodwood. Arrangements entrusted to Atkins-Northland Funeral Home, Cloquet. To sign the guest book and offer an online tribute, see

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