Russell E. “Russ” Kieffer, 77, of Galena, IL, passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Unity Pointe Health Center in Dubuque, IA, surrounded by his loving family. A funeral mass will be held at noon on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Galena, where friends may gather at 11:30 AM until the time of the mass. Friends can also call from 4 to 7 PM on Friday, December 6, 2024, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena, where the parish rosary will begin at 3:30 PM. Following the mass, military honors will be presented by Galena VFW Post #2665 and American Legion Post #193 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Burial will take place at a later date, and cremation rites have been accorded. Russ was born on July 26, 1947, in Hazel Green, WI, to Nicholas and Helen (Splinter) Kieffer. He graduated from Galena High School in the Class of 1965. During the Vietnam War, Russ enlisted in the United States Army on September 12, 1966, and was honorably discharged as a sergeant on September 11, 1969. He served our country, following in the footsteps of his father, Nicholas, as did his son Jacob and grandson Zachary. Russ married his wife of fifty-five years, Judith Meyer, on November 27, 1969, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Galena. He worked for many years as a cable installer with Mediacom Cable. After retirement, he drove vehicles for the Jo Daviess County Transit system. Russ enjoyed hunting and loved fishing with his wife, children, and grandchildren. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed fantasy football and cheered for the Chicago Cubs and the Minnesota Vikings. Most importantly, he loved to watch his grandchildren in all their extracurricular activities. Russ loved playing games with his family, including poker, pool, and quarters. Known for his jokes and culinary skills, he was a wonderful host and ensured guests never left his home hungry. He also enjoyed taking daily car rides with his wife to view and count the local deer and wildlife. Russ is survived by his wife, Judith; six children; and sixteen grandchildren: Matthew Kieffer of Dubuque and his children Lucas, Eric, and Emily; Nathan (Cortney) Kieffer of Dubuque and their children Jackson and Colin; Justin (Jennifer) Kieffer of East Dubuque, IL, and their children Joshua, William, and Andrew; Jacob Kieffer of Galena and his children Zachary (deceased) and Nicholas; Ben (Lindsay) Kieffer of Pace, FL, and their children Madeline and Isabelle; and Amanda (Tim) DuHack of Galena and their children Samantha, Grace, Sebastian, and Tucker. He is also survived by two sisters, Carol Spurr of Rochester, MN, and Madonna Hilliard of Pocatello, ID; two brothers, Jerry Kieffer of Galena and Robert Kieffer of Tupelo, MS; two sisters-in-law, Barbara Meyer and Constance Meyer and two brothers-in-law John (Mary) Meyer and Richard Baumgartner; as well as many nieces and nephews. Russ was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson, his mother and father-in-law, Elwyn and Rosemary Meyer, two brothers, James and Nicholas Kieffer, and two sisters, Barbara and Mary Kieffer. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the doctors and staff at Midwest Medical Center in Galena, Unity Pointe Health Center in Dubuque, and Monroe Clinic in Monroe, WI. Your care and kindness will never be forgotten. Donations may be made to the American Red Cross or American Cancer Society in memory of Russ.