Katie R.  Kieffer

Katie R. Kieffer

March 01, 1991 - September 19, 2026

Obituary

Katie R. Kieffer, age 35, of Darlington, WI, tragically passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Though her life was taken far too soon, Katie leaves behind a legacy of love, positivity, and kindness that will continue to live on through the many people whose lives she touched.

Katie was born on March 1, 1991, in Dodgeville, WI, the daughter of Joseph Kieffer and Diane (Butler) Schaaf. She grew up in Darlington and graduated from Darlington High School in 2009. While still in high school, Katie attended Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in Fennimore, where she earned her CNA certificate. Her caring nature led her to work as both a CNA and LPN at Lafayette County Manor in Darlington and Bloomfield Manor in Dodgeville. Later, Katie returned to Southwest Wisconsin Technical College to pursue a degree as a Pharmacy Technician. She proudly worked at Hartig Drug in Darlington, where she formed incredible friendships with coworkers and customers alike, many of whom became very special to her.

Katie had a way of bringing light wherever she went. She was fiercely independent, incredibly thoughtful, and contagiously positive. No matter what life brought her way, Katie had an ability to find something to smile about and share that positivity with those around her. She made people feel welcomed, cared for, and loved, often going out of her way to make sure others knew just how much they meant to her.

Katie served as Secretary of the Pecatonica Valley Antique Club and never missed a meeting. She also enjoyed gardening and cooking for her family. She treasured her friendships and especially looked forward to her annual vacations with her girlfriends. Those trips were filled with laughter, memories, and the kind of friendship Katie valued so deeply.

Above everything else in Katie's life was her son, Rolan. He was her entire world, her greatest joy, and the person she loved beyond measure. Katie gave every ounce of herself to being the best mother she could be. She was immensely proud of Rolan, and the love they shared was at the very center of who she was.

Katie is survived by her son, Rolan; her father, Joseph (Tamara) Kieffer of Darlington; and her siblings, Daniel (Kyla) Kieffer, Maryah Kieffer, and Edward Kieffer, all of Darlington and David Schaaf and Kayla Schaaf of Mineral Point, WI. She was preceded in death by her mother, Diane Schaaf.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, September 25, 2026, at 11:30 A.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (104 E. Harriet St., Darlington) with Fr. William Vernon officiating. Burial will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery in Darlington. A visitation will be held Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Erickson Funeral Home (508 Main St., Darlington) and on Friday from 10:30 A.M. until 11:15 A.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Rolan's name.

For those in attendance please wear casual attire.

Events

24
Rosary
Thu Sep 24, 2026 @ 3:30 PM - 3:45 PM CDT
Erickson Funeral Home - Darlington • 508 Main St, Darlington, WI 53530
24
Visitation
Thu Sep 24, 2026 @ 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
Erickson Funeral Home - Darlington • 508 Main St, Darlington, WI 53530
25
Visitation
Fri Sep 25, 2026 @ 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM CDT
Holy Rosary Catholic Church • 104 E Harriet St, Darlington, WI 53530
25
Mass of Christian Burial
Fri Sep 25, 2026 @ 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM CDT
Holy Rosary Catholic Church • 104 E Harriet St, Darlington, WI 53530
AM
Annette McGettigan
Friend •
Tim and I always loved having Katie help us with our prescriptions at Hartig's! Even if you might not feel good at the time, she had the wonderful quality of making you feel better! We will so miss her! Our deepest sympathies to the family. May you rest in peace, Katie, Tim and Annette McGettigan
VL
Valita Larson
Friend •
Katie always had a smile for me when I went into hartigs for my prescriptions,she was a total sweetheart and I will miss seeing her in hartigs,rest in peace Katie, God Bless You🙏
K
Kristen
Friend •
She and I met through friends. I'll never forget the night we drove through the most torrential rainstorm after watching a Packers practice game. Our dates were asleep in the backseat and tensions were higher than I've ever felt as we feared for the safety of everyone in the vehicle. We were rightfully scared.. it was white-out rain on a highway with semi trucks buzzing by. At one point we switched seats and the other drove on. After getting through the storm we parked and hugged in the rain, thankful to each other, that brush with death bringing us closer to life. We became Facebook friends and stayed in touch just such a minimal amount after that. I saw her bright face, her adorable son. I was so proud of her and happy for her. I never knew she was a victim of domestic violence and abuse. I love you Katie. And I'll always remember you fondly.
ZW
Zachary Williams
Coworker •
Katie had such a great attitude and was awesome to work with. I know she made a huge impact to her peers with her sweet and fun personality. She was a great help to the IT team when we had to do troubleshooting on the phone. It was always a joy talking to her. She will be greatly missed, but her warmth, kindness, and gentle spirit will be remembered forever.
SB
Sally Baxter
Coworker •
There was nothing better than arriving to work at Hartig's and getting a big, beautiful Katie smile and hello! She was the quiet in chaos. She was so wonderful to everyone who walked in the doors. Everyone who met Katie, knew she genuinely cared about them. The world has lost a beautiful soul. I am keeping Joe and the family in my thoughts and prayers. Rolan had the best mommy ever! Love and miss you forever dear Katie!
DG
Donna Gough
Friend •
Donna Gough Friend: 4 days ago From the first time that your Grandma Kieffer brought you into The Town House to me your name has been SUNSHINE! Grandma Kieffer was so proud of you! You grew up and we connected again when you came to work at Hartig's. You always had a smile and kind words when I came in to pick up my meds! I will miss you "SUNSHINE"

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