William (Bill) Dean Kafer was born March 6, 1950 in Jefferson, IA. Bill passed away at age 68 on January 27, 2019 at home, surrounded by his family. Donald and Marjorie Kafer were his parents.

William attended school in Jefferson, Iowa. He started his driving career driving straight truck and semi-truck for his stepfather, Oliver Murphy, until starting his own business in 1976. Bill retired in 2014.

Bill was united in marriage on June 21, 1969 to Diane Kersey. Three children were born from this union.

Bill used to like deer hunting with his friends and truck auctions. Bill also served on Grand Junction City Council for many years. But most of all he enjoyed the time spent with family and tinkering at the shop with the boys.

Bill was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Marjorie and Oliver Murphy; father and stepmother, Donald and Betty Kafer; brothers: Donald and Francis Murphy; nephew Jeff Moranville; niece Jessicia Whitver; great niece Kayla Moranville; great nephew Oliver Kellen; brother-in-law Gary Miller.

Survivors include his wife Diane of Grand Junction

daughter Annette (Rob) Strabley of Grand Junction

son Robert Kafer (Brenda Ladd) of Grand Junction

son Wayne Kafer (Megan Dugan) of Adel

grandchildren: Jac, Jeff, Jon Strabley; Colby, Makala, Matthew, Evelyn Kafer; Rebecca Ladd; Jacob and Lydia Dugan

in-laws Leo and Blanch Kersey;

brothers and sisters: Donna (Ed) Lawson, Diana (Ron) Lawson, Barb (Dan) Potkonak, Tony (Tina) Kafer, Jack (Kim) Murphy, Julie (Dave) Jones, Jodi (Brian) Whitver, Janis (Marvin) Hakseth, Goldie Murphy, Karen (Dan) Harr, Terry (Mavis) King, Randy (Mary) Kafer, Cindy Rielly, Nancy (Tom) Manwarren and Mike (Denna) Kafer;

sisters-in-law Patty Kersey, Mary Ann Miller and brother-in-law Tom (LouAnn) Kersey, many nieces, nephews and relatives.

There will be a Celebration of Life on February 23 from 2 to 4 PM at Kafer Shop; 202 8th St.; Grand Junction. Interment will be at later date.

Source: Jefferson Herald Online