Lenore Joan Kieft
November 4, 1926 - December 31, 2008

The virtues that made up the life of Lenore Kieft were that of a woman with many talents. She was hard working, independent, as well as fun loving and friendly. She led her life with elegance and grace, along with an adventurous flair. Most importantly, she loved her family deeply, and was a loving wife, devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and faithful friend to all. She will be truly missed, and fondly remembered.

Lenores story began on a fall day in 1926, as autumn was making its way towards the colder months of winter, in Racine, Wisconsin. Those were exciting times in this country, in the heyday of the Roaring 20s, when Big Bands were king, and Prohibition was law of the land. Major U.S. manufacturers were implementing the beginning of the eight hour, five day work week, and factory towns were flourishing. On November 4, 1926, Maurice and Viola (Yerdon) Jensen celebrated the birth of their first child, a baby girl they named Lenore.

While Lenore was still quite young, the family packed up and moved to northern Indiana, to the growing industrial town of South Bend. Lenore was later joined by younger siblings, Betty, Donald, Marlene and Frank. Being the nurturing, loving big sister that she was, Lenore loved to help and take care for her two brothers and sisters. The children attended the local schools, and it was here in South Bend that Lenore developed a friendship with a girl named Mary Samuels, who became Lenores forever friend.

At an early age, Lenore learned, and enjoyed playing, the Hawaiian guitar, at the same time developing a lifelong love of music. When she was old enough, Lenore took her first job at a local drug store, and in 1945, she was part of the graduating class of Benjamin Harris High School. Eventually, the family moved to Muskegon, Michigan, along the shores of Lake Michigan, to a home on Houston Avenue.

It was here in Muskegon that Lenore agreed to go on a blind date with her sister, Betty, and her boyfriend. On that fateful date, Lenore met the love of her life, Robert Kieft. Robert was a young strapping soldier, just returning home from military duty during World War II. Robert became quite smitten with this classy young woman, and adored that she was such a fun loving girl. Lenore had always been quite a talker, and as a matter of fact, on that first date, they spent the entire evening together, sitting up talking through to the wee hours. Lenore and Robert were rather taken with one another, and continued to date for two years. They were finally united in marriage, on June 19, 1948, in Muskegon.

Times were good for young families in the Muskegon area. Industry was booming, and Robert took work providing for his young bride at Kaydon Corporation. They rented their first home as a married couple on Hudson Street, where they welcomed the birth of their first child, son Larry, born in 1949. William followed in 1950, Sue in 1952, and Brian was born in 1956. Twins Michael and Robert came along in 1959. With such a growing family, Lenore and Robert moved to Allen Avenue, having the opportunity to build their very own home, located on Algonquin Street. With such a bustling household, and with the American culture quickly changing, Lenore and Robert were quite strict in bringing up their children. She was a loving and patient mother to her children, and they instilled in them the importance of family. They spent every Sunday evening at Lenores parents home, where everyone in the family got together for a meal, time of sharing, and catching up. Robert found new employment working at Bordens Dairy, while Lenore stayed home to care for their children, and home. She was one to keep order in their lives, and to keep a tidy house. She kept herself busy too, and enjoyed baking, playing the organ, and had many friends with her outgoing and friendly personality.

In August of 1969, they moved their family west to the warmer climate of Phoenix, Arizona, where Robert found work at Arizona Hardware. Lenore was home with the kids, seeing to it that they were involved in school activities, and making a home for them there. Their son, Larry, joined the Army in 1969, and was stationed in Germany. It was during the Vietnam War, and soon their second son, William, entered the U.S. Marine Corps, as well. These proved to be trying and difficult days for Lenore and the family, as both of her boys were involved at the height of the war. Shortly after the war ended, Lenore received word that her aging father was ill, and in 1975, the family decided to moved back to Muskegon, where Lenore could be of help to her family. They rented a home on Miner Avenue, in the Lakeside area of Muskegon, and Robert returned to his former job at Kaydon Corporation. Lenore helped care for her ailing father, and took it very hard when he died in 1977.

The 1980s were marked with struggle for everyone in the United States. For industrial towns like Muskegon, the recession hit hard. Lenore always had a love of gambling, and playing the lottery. In 1981, she had the good fortune of winning the lottery with a jackpot of $100,000.00! It could not have come at a better time, and Lenore and Robert celebrated by purchasing a new mobile home in Arlington Estates. Lenore had quite a talent for playing the organ, and bought herself a brand new one to play in her new home. She also enjoyed the benefit of purchasing a new car for Robert, as she never did have a drivers license, and relied on Robert to get her around. Lenore enjoyed hiking in her free time, and with her fun loving ways, she always had a love of dancing. Eventually, Robert was able to finally retire in 1986, and they headed back to Arizona, where they spent the winter months. Robert did not sit idle though, and took a job driving bus for a company, and Lenore even got a job working in the office there, as well. It was time spent together, and they both loved working there. Over the years in Arizona, they had made many friends, and did much together. They were members of, and kept active with the V.F.W. Auxiliary, as well.

Sadly, Robert was diagnosed with cancer in 1993, and they came back home to Muskegon for his health care, and to be near their family. Patient and loving as always, Lenore looked after Robert during this time with grace. After 46 years of marriage, Lenore lost her beloved Robert when he succumbed to the cancer, and died in 1994. She used her independent spirit, and her positive outlook to see her through this difficult time, as well as the love and support from her family. She continued to winter in Arizona, and in 2006, and having always been somewhat adventurous, Lenore was able to take a few cruises to places like Puerto Vallarta and Alaska.

Eventually, Lenore made a permanent move back to Muskegon, to be with her family and to spend time more with them. She so enjoyed being with them, and watching her grandchildren with their families, too. Lenore remained pretty active, being involved with her friends and taking part in family activities. Very sudden and unexpectedly, Lenore died on Wednesday, December 31, 2008 at the age of 82.

Lenore Kieft was an independent woman, who was fun loving and friendly. She led her life with class and grace, and held the virtues of many talents. She was hardworking, with an adventurous spirit. Most importantly, she loved her family deeply, putting the needs of those around her before her own. She will be fondly remembered as a loving wife, devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and faithful friend, with love and affection. She will be forever missed.

Mrs. Lenore J. Kieft is survived by 4 sons, William (Rita) Kieft of AZ, Brian Kieft of Grand Haven, Robert (Julie) Kieft of Whitehall and Michael (Tammy) Kieft of Twin Lake; her daughter, Susan (Randy) Burgess of Twin Lake; 10 grandchildren, Sapphire, Rachael, Miles, Tyler, Megan, Jody, Cassie, Jennifer, Alaina and Lisa; 10 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Donald (Patricia) Jensen and Frank (Carol) Jensen, both of Muskegon; 2 sisters, Betty (Clare) Cooper of Grand Haven and Marlene (Eugene) LeRoux of Muskegon; several nieces & nephews. Besides her husband, Lenore was preceded in death by her son, Larry in 1995, and grandson, Adam.

A memorial service to celebrate Lenores life will be held on Monday, January 5, 2009, 1:00 PM at the Clock Chapel with Rev. Ken Shady officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Adam Kieft Memorial Scholarship Fund. To view her life story film, submit a favorite memory or photo, or to sign her online guest book, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.

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