Robert Thomas Kiepert

It is said that when one kisses the Blarney Stone in Blarney Castle, Ireland they will receive the gift of wit or eloquent speech. Bob already possessed a marvelous, ready wit and a bit of a rascal before kissing the Blarney Stone in March of 2000. Everyone enjoyed Bob's hearty laugh, great smile, and gentle teasing. Even the challenges of a 13-year journey with Alzheimer's disease couldn't dim these qualities or his quick quips about his war dogs, Skunk and Victor, or that his first-grade teacher was Mrs. Disterhoeft and of course, that he had kissed the Blarney Stone.

Bob was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the second of four boys to Orville and Norma (Williams) Kiepert. He grew up in the Jefferson, WI area, attending local schools, spending his summers working on neighboring farms and graduating from Johnson Creek High School in 1964. After graduation, Bob moved to Madison, WI where he met and later married, Margie Boland.

The 1960s were the time of the Viet Nam War, and Bob was drafted into the Army in 1968 serving for three years with the 44th Medical Brigade. Bob's wartime duty took him to Pleiku, Viet Nam. He felt that his military service changed his life, leaving him with a sense of pride for having served his country that lasted the rest of his lifetime.

Prior to serving in Viet Nam, Bob was stationed at Fitzsimons Hospital and fell in love with Colorado: the low humidity, majestic mountains, western skies and opportunity. He maintained that when he finished his service, he would return to the Denver area and did so in 1972. Davis Bros, Drug Company offered him the career path he had hoped for as well as many wonderful friends both colleagues and customers. Later when the company merged with another, Bob was offered a position with QS1 of Smith Data as the regional manager for the Rocky Mountain Empire, a position he held until 2000.

Bob cherished and lived for his family. His son, Benjamin, of Anacortes, WA was a great joy to him, source of pride and partner in golf, Broncos' and Rockies' fandom, watching late night thrillers, road trips and cooking shows. Bob especially enjoyed puttering in his work shed, traveling and posing in goofy hats, crossword puzzles and whichever was his current dog: Peaches, Bub or Chewy.

Bob is survived by his wife of 50 years, Margie, and son Benjamin, two brothers Jim Kiepert of Freeport, IL, John (Phyllis) Kiepert of Johnson Creek, WI and a sister-in-law Mary (Mike) Kiepert of Jefferson, WI as well as nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-great niece and a great-great nephew. In addition, Bob is survived by many in-laws, other family and close friends who had great affection for him. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Mike.

A private graveside service will be held at Ft. Logan National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bob's name to The Denver Hospice or the Alzheimer's Association.

Visitation: June 25, 2020 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Horan & McConaty - South Denver
1091 S. Colorado Blvd.
Denver, CO 80246

Funeral Service: June 26, 2020 10:00 am

Horan & McConaty - South Denver
1091 S. Colorado Blvd.
Denver, CO 80246