Donald John Kieler

Donald J. Kieler (84) of Waterloo, passed away peacefully with his family by his side, Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Bickford Cottage in Cedar Falls. He was born December 8, 1940 in Waterloo, the son of Robert and Neva (Schroeder) Kieler. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1958.

He married Judith A. Vanderheyden. She died November 23, 2020.

Donald started his working career as a Radio DJ in Mt. Pleasant. After a few years, he moved back to Waterloo and worked for the Illinois Central Railroad for a short time. In 1964, he joined the Waterloo Fire Department and retired on January 1, 1996. For the last 22 years of his career he was the Fire Equipment Operator at Fire Station 3. On his off days, Donald owned and operated Black Hawk Antenna Service from 1975 to 1995.

Donald was the first president and a lifetime member of the Iowa Bowhunters Association (IBA), he was involved in the Iowa Woodcarvers Association and was an avid photographer. Don loved the outdoors and cherished spending time with his family. Everyone who knew him described him as the kindest person they had ever met. Even in his final days, his love for his family and his compassionate nature remained evident. He will be deeply missed by all.

He is survived by his four children: Greg and Patty Kieler of Clearwater, Fl., Leslie and Bill Bramwell of Denver, CO, Jim and Heidi Kieler of Cedar Falls, and Jon and Tiffini Kieler of Waterloo; eleven grandchildren; Robert (Jen), Kevin (Alyssa), Michael, Jordyn (Jason), Ben, Chris, John (Candice), Braidynn (Edis), Matthew, Jacob and Deric, ten great grandchildren; Kasen, Wesley, Emmett, Harper, Alijana, Staley, Camryn, Luke, Sefi and Banks, two brothers, Steven Kieler of Lakeland, FL, Richard Kieler of Buena Park, CA; two sisters Peg Moore of Waterloo, and Ann Condon of Waterloo.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Judith; three brothers in law, Darrel Langan, Dennis Moore and Brad Condon; and sister in law, Karen Langan.

Memorial Mass will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 1, 2025, at St. Edward Catholic Church. Inurnment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Waterloo. Memorials may be made to the Greg Freshwater Scholarship Fund (Waterloo Community Foundation)