Kathryn Lee Kiefer Thompson

After just 46 days apart from her beloved husband, Kathryn Kiefer Thompson passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children. After a long and courageous battle with multiple health challenges, she is now freed from pain and reunited with Jack, her husband of 57 years. Those who know Jack and Kiefer best would know that they couldn’t be apart from each other long.

Kathy was the beloved daughter of Robert and Maxine Kiefer. Born on March 26th, 1950, in Newcomerstown, Ohio, she was the third of their children, younger sister to Carole and Nancy. She graduated from Wooster High School and later attended the University of Akron.

It was there, on election night in 1968, that fate intervened. Kathy went on a double date with another couple—the other girls date was Jack. Kathy and Jack realized they were on the right date with the wrong people and instead spent the time talking to eachother. Their instant connection ended the previous relationships and began a lifetime together. Jack and Kathy never left each other’s side for the next 57 years.

A few months later, much to the dismay of her father, Kathy and Jack crossed state lines to attend a little concert known as Woodstock Music Festival. The memories made during those four unforgettable days stayed with them for the rest of their lives.

Around 1970, following the spirit of many of their friends, Jack and Kathy headed west and settled in Fort Collins, Colorado. They were married on June 21st, 1975, in their backyard surrounded by friends and family. It was at that time that Kathy wanted to keep her family name alive and changed her first name to Kiefer. In 1980 they moved to Denver and welcomed their first child, Adam Wade Thompson. Four years later, they welcomed their daughter, Haley Erin Thompson (Benzon). Motherhood was Kiefer’s greatest calling, and she poured her heart into raising her children. 

Even while becoming a devoted mother, Kiefer continued working alongside Jack in the clothing business. Fashion was always her passion, and sharing that work together became one of the many ways they modeled a beautiful, enduring partnership for their children.

Seven years after Haley’s birth, the family moved to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where Kiefer became the clothing buyer for Grand Teton Lodge. She worked long, demanding days, pouring her energy into the store and showing her children the meaning of hard work—often driving their white Volkswagen Golf through any weather, day or night, to get the job done. Despite her demanding schedule, she never missed her children’s activities. Haley’s love for horses flourished in Jackson, and Kiefer embraced her role as “horse show mom” with enthusiasm and pride. At the same time Adam’s passion for taekwondo deepened and Saturdays were quite often spent running from one kids passion to the next. If something involved her kids, she was there.

When Jack’s work later took the family to Salt Lake City, Utah, Kiefer was able to work fewer hours, and she and Jack joined together once again in the clothing world, this time with Woolrich. They built a beautiful life and home in Sandy, Utah.

Beginning in 2000, Kiefer bravely fought an autoimmune disease affecting her bile ducts. She ultimately won that battle in April 2001 when she received a life-saving liver transplant. The road to recovery was long and difficult, but she emerged with renewed strength and gratitude. And once again, she was at every lesson, practice, show, or tournament for her children—supporting them with the same fierce, steady love that defined her life.

During her later years, she devoted herself deeply to her Catholic faith and to helping others grow in theirs. She participated in various programs within the church, including RCIA, Landings, and most recently Ignation Spiritual Training. Her steady faith and compassionate heart touched countless people, just as they touched her own family.

If Kiefer knew how to be anything, it was a mother. Her love was constant, unwavering, and full of warmth. Every phone call ended with the same reassuring words: “We’re around if you need us.”

Kathryn is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Maxine (Loos) Kiefer; her sister, Carole (Stanton); and her beloved husband of 57 years, Norman John ‘Jack’ Thompson. She is survived by her sister, Nancy (Hultman); her children, Adam Thompson and Haley Benzon (Christian); and her greatest pride and joy—her grandchildren, Henry Aaron, Andrew Beck, and Louie Robert. Her legacy of love, devotion, and motherhood will live on through them.

Graveside service to be held at 2:00pm Saturday November 22, 2025 at Elysian Burial Gardens (1075 East 4580 South Milcreek, UT)

Immediately following graveside (~3:30pm-5:00pm) will be a gathering to celebrate Kiefer’s life (601 East 2100 South Salt Lake City, UT) All are welcome!