Aldora “Dori” J. (Kaufman) Kiesel, 85, of Gering, Nebraska passed away on Friday, December 8, 2023. A memorial service will be at Gering Zion Church on Friday, December 15 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Tim Hebbert officiating. A private family inurnment will be at West Lawn Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Nebraska Children’s Home or to Gering Zion Church. Memories and online condolences may be left for the family at www.geringchapel.com.
Dori was born to Henry and Alvina (Schmidt) Kaufman in Gering, Nebraska on February 19, 1938. She graduated from Gering High School in May of 1956.
Dori grew up on a farm in Gering Valley and loved the lifestyle. Shortly after graduating from Gering High School, she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Kiesel and they were married on November 17, 1957. Following their wedding, the couple settled and made the Valley their home, started a farm of their own and began a family. Dori spent the next 60 years by her husband’s side, serving as an invaluable component of the farm. From waking up early to cook meals, to driving beet trucks until noon, to serving the entire farm crew lunch, and running countless errands for the operation, she was essential for the success of R & R Kiesel Farms. Dori loved to cook and she enjoyed bringing joy to others through her cooking, especially her husband. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whenever she could.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Kiesel; her parents; brothers-in-law Melvin Grasmick and Blackie Harimon; brother and sister-in-law Wilford and Barbara Kaufman; and sisters-in-law, Patty Kaufman; and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Don and Jane Kiesel.
She is survived by her sons, Rob (Becky) Kiesel and Randie (Susan) Kiesel, daughter, Jackie (Dan) Smith; Grandchildren Miranda (Dan Anderson) Kiesel; Melissa (Jeremy) Berger; Brandy (Javier) Muratalla; Brooke (Aaron) Raines, Cody (Alexis) Kiesel, Abby (Austin) Hoffman; Dani Smith, Riley (Brett) Mahnke, Baylen (Roisin) Smith; Great Grandchildren Finnian and Marceline Kiesel-Anderson; Triston, Alisha, Bailey Berger, Austin Gonzales, Danielle Berger, Natalie Muratalla; Elliot & Beckett Raines; Audri & Drew Kiesel; and Lachlan & Calder Mahnke.
Also, she is survived by her brother and sisters Shirley Harimon, Barbara (Tony) Popp, Harvey Kaufman, Pam (Tom) Rehm and many nephews and nieces.