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Joseph "Joe" Kiebala
October 28, 1947 — November 5, 2023
Richland
Joseph “Joe” Kiebala, 76, of Richland, passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2023.
Joe was born on October 28, 1947 in Solingen, Germany to Piotr and Walentina (Malicky) Kiebala. He and his family migrated to the United States in 1950 and settled in Saginaw, Michigan. Joe graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1965 and went on to study at Ferris State University until 1968 when he joined the services and served 3 years as a Green Beret in the Special Forces. After serving his country, Joe went back to Ferris State and earned his degree in Accounting. Joe worked for many years as a Financial Planner and retired from Eaton Corporation in 2003.
He married the love of his life, Heidi Sahli in 2002. They spent 21 wonderful years together.
Joe loved everything about the city of Marshall and was a very active member of the community. He was instrumental in establishing the soccer program at Marshall Public Schools. He was the President of the Marshall Boosters and ran a successful millage campaign. Joe was a marathon runner and avid racquetball player. He participated in the Senior Olympics. Joe spent many hours taking pictures of high school athletic events and loved to give the photos to families afterward. He loved his faithful canine companion, Casimir, and he was often recognized in town with Casimir hanging his head out of Joe’s truck.
Joe was a real motivator. He was always generous with compliments and loved his family. Joe was a positive person and loved to joke- he was known for his laugh. He captured the hearts of all who cared for him this past year.
Joe is survived by his wife, Heidi Kiebala; children, Jim (Amanda) Kiebala, Adam (Lynelle) Kiebala, and Kara Kiebala; step-children, Meghan Smith, and Kaitlin (Jake) Fountain; grandchildren, Elara, Nolan, Gabrielle, Cole, Adalyn, and Maylen; step-grandchildren, Gemma and Mya; sisters, Mary, Wanda, and Laura.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Don Pachnik; and sister, Janet Carter.
**Update of Joe's obituary was furnished by Van Abbott. https://www.kempffuneralhome.com/obituaries/joseph-joe-kiebala
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Van Abbott
Memories... As we enter the last chapter, we all remember significant events in our youth, those that shaped our lives and defined who we become. In my memory are the times Joe and I were close friends. We attended high school together, commuted to high school together, worked at Bailey's Meat Market together, and shared the insecurities of coming of age in a world overshadowed by a dirty war. The last time we were together was in August 1967, I believe. Joe had enlisted and I was in college. It was in Huntington Beach California. (You can see Joe and I in the picture below) Our goodbye was haunted by the possibility Joe would not return. With luck, Joe did survive.Our lives went in separate directions thereafter, and we stayed in touch to some degree, but never again shared our lives.
I am left with fond memories of Joe, of the many heartfelt events that shaped our young lives... Those that perpetually meander within my mind, showing themselves occasionally, but never forgotten. Joe lives within. Goodbye my friend.
Van Abbott, Ketchikan Alaska
Van Abbott
https://photos.app.goo.gl/w6ZbrMvBD2kZ2Kuw6