Charles "Charlie" Raymond Kiefner, 79, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, September 5th, 2018 at his Assisted Care residence in Altamonte Springs, FL, after a long battle with COPD. He is remembered with love by son, Randy & his wife Christy, daughters, Lisa & her husband Dan, Mandy and her husband Roger, grandchildren Danny, Alexis, Justin, Cierra and Rylee - all of whom reside in Central Florida. Previously married to Christine Baldridge, for over 25 years. As the mother of his three children, they remained close friends until the day he died. He also leaves behind a sister, Nancy Jinkerson of MO, and many loving nieces, nephews and in-laws. He was predeceased by sister Sharon, to whom he was very close.
Born to Charles Norbert Kiefner & Estelle Lelia Zugmaier on April 20, 1939, Charlie grew up in a suburb of St Louis, MO before enlisting in the Navy at the age of 18. His tours in the Navy, as a communications specialist and later as a career counselor, took Charlie and his family to stays which included Honolulu, HI, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Charleston, South Carolina, before retiring as Chief Petty Officer (E-7) in Orlando, FL after 20 years. Charlie then went to college on the Navy GI Bill and obtained his Bachelor of Science in Personnel Management from Florida Southern University in Lakeland, FL. Soon after, he obtained his Series 7 and was a successful stockbroker in the early 1980's. He was promoted to office, area, and finally regional manager before moving on to several business ventures over the coming years.
Whether it was in regard to family or business, Charlie was a proud, firm leader. He led by example and held himself and those close to him to oftentimes challenging standards. From discussions and interactions with friends, family and business colleagues as well as performance reviews in the military, it was clear what attributes mattered most to Charlie: loyalty, sense of responsibility, taking pride in one's work, mutual respect and allegiance to family. Those traits will live on in his children. He enjoyed life on his terms. When he could no longer do so, his three children tended to his needs and were blessed to have a much closer relationship with him over the final months of his life.

A Memorial Service to be held on Saturday, September 15th at 11 am at DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory, 9001 N. Orlando Avenue, Maitland, FL 32751. Close family will later attend a 21-gun salute at National Cemetery in Cape Canaveral, FL where his ashes will be laid to rest.

Arrangements are entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home and Crematory, 9001 N Orlando Ave. Maitland, Florida 32751, 407-695-CARE(2273)