Thomas Bertrand Kiecker

Thomas “Tim” Kiecker, 94, of Mankato, died peacefully on July 4, 2023, at The Pillars of Mankato Senior Living after a brief illness.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at Grace Lutheran Church, 110 N. Fourth Street, Mankato, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial with military honors will be at Augustana Lutheran cemetery in Gibbon.

Tim was born on April 25, 1929, to John A. and Neva (Wanstrom) Kiecker in New Ulm, Minnesota. He grew up in Gibbon, where he enjoyed playing sports with his best friend and brother, Chuck, and working on a local farm. He graduated from Gibbon High School in 1947 and attended Gustavus Adolphus College for two years before he entered the U.S. Army Engineers, Ft. Lewis, Washington. During his Army service, Tim also was involved in the atomic testing at Camp Desert Rock in Nevada. Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, he returned to Minnesota and married Marion Monson. Together, Tim and Marion raised their three children, David, Pamela, and Mark in Mankato.

Tim completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Mankato State Teacher’s College. After teaching and coaching at Luverne High School, Tim returned to Mankato. He served on the college faculty for 37 years until his retirement in 1993. As a student, Tim played baseball, basketball, and football; as a faculty member, he taught industrial arts and driver education, and was a student advisor in the department of engineering and physics.

More than anything, Tim liked to stay busy. He could build and fix almost anything. Even in his 90s, one of his greatest joys was mowing lawns and doing yard work at his children’s homes. He and Mark would tackle projects together in Mankato and at the lake. Their annual fishing trip to Lake Napoleon for Father’s Day with the Kiecker boys/men was a highlight of his family time. While fishing was always a passion, Tim also focused on cleaning up downed trees and limbs at the lake so he could keep a campfire burning all weekend.  At Pam’s, he always had a list of indoor and outdoor tasks to complete during his visits.

Throughout his lifetime, Tim was a competitive, multi-sport athlete—at Gibbon High School, Gustavus Adolphus College, Mankato State, and in the Army. He was also engaged in athletic events for his children and grandchildren. He made annual trips to the Boundary Water Canoe Area for 40+ years with faculty colleagues/friends, and to Wyoming during deer season. He loved the YMCA, where he played handball and was active with the Y’s Men. He volunteered at the meets when Dave, Pam, and Mark competed on the swim team. Tim was a dog lover and enjoyed his many family pets over the years. He loved riding horses and watching old westerns on TV. He was a member of the American Legion Post 11, and he was always active in his church community. Tim was especially proud of his support for many charities that provided services to children and disadvantaged populations.

In 2004, Tim married Nancy Hauser Ringold, a lifetime friend and Gibbon classmate. Until Nancy’s death in 2019, they lived in Hopkins, Minnesota. Nancy’s family and friends welcomed Tim into their lives. They had a rich and active life together in the Twin Cities and enjoyed traveling with their friends and family.  

Once at The Pillars, Tim served as Ambassador for new residents, a job he enjoyed immensely. He played cribbage with fellow residents and enjoyed watching the Vikings games and playing pool with son David. 

Tim is survived by his children, David Kiecker, Pamela Kiecker Royall, Mark (Denise) Kiecker, Bob (Shelley) Ringold, Tom (Brenda) Ringold, and Bill Ringold, 10 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, son-in-law, aunts, uncles, and many cousins.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to Grace Lutheran Church or your favorite charity.