Marion Elizabeth Kiefner, 96, of La Crosse, passed away Monday, January 4, 2015 at the Bethany Hearten House 1 in La Crosse. She was born to Harry and Mary (Hobelsberger) Johnson in La Crosse.

Her mother, Mary, died when Marion was 4 years old. Abandoned by her father, she was raised in La Crosse Home for children. In 1938, she married Earl Kiefner, who died in 1994.

In her younger life, she had several different jobs. She retired from Central High as a cook. She also enjoyed working part-time at Pogey’s Catering. Her favorite activities included, dancing, sewing, cooking, bowling and the Red Hat Society in Kenosha. Mid-life, she started walking most every day. Still walking a few blocks every day into her early 90’s. Her favorite thing to do, however, was swimming, which she did well into her 80’s at the Day’s Inn on French Island.

She is survived by her children, Marylou (Clayton) Delaney of Kenosha, WI, Patricia (Don) Hurley of La Crosse, WI; grandchildren, Keith Krause of Kenosha, WI, Steven Krause of Kenosha, WI, Greg (Rhonda) Krause of Union Grove, WI, Debbie (Scott) Keefer of Bristol, WI, Mark (Annette) Hurley of Willmette, IL, Shanen (Lazaro) Carranza of La Crosse, WI; great-grandchildren, Lazaro, Santanna, Johnny, Gracie, Anne, Jamie, Meghan, Ryan, Kaitlyn, Monica, Todd; great-great-grandchildren, McKenzie and Willow; nephew, Eugene (Jeanette) Kessler; special friend, Marilyn (Henthorn) Moll, who she often referred to as her “third daughter”; and many other relatives and friends.

The family would like to thank the Hearten House 1 staff for all their wonderful care, the Gundersen Health System Hospice Program, and the staff at Western Wisconsin Cares.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 8, 2015 at 11:00 am at the Coulee Region Cremation Group and Funeral Home, 133 Mason St., Onalaska, WI. Pastor Luanne Sorenson will celebrate. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be held at the French Island Cemetery.