Gertrude Marie Kiefer, 81, of Kanawha passed away Friday, November 19, 1999 at the home of her son Ronald and wife Donna Kiefer of Des Moines, Iowa. Gertrude was the daughter of Chester and Leatha (Rader) Steuerwald.  She was born November 14, 1918 in Fertile, Iowa.  She received her education at Fertile Community School. Gertrude Marie married Donald Kiefer of Pilot Knob, Iowa in 1936. God blessed her with seven children, 21 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. Psalm 127:3 says "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children are a reward from Him." In Gertrude's younger years she enjoyed caring for the elderly at a Des Moines nursing home.  Gertrude devoted several years of her life at Kiefer Built.  She was employed as their first painter.  With an aerosol can in hand, she would beautify those steel stock trailers.  She also delivered trailers for the company.  She was a friend to all the dealers. She would pull into their place of business with a trailer and a smile.  Many say she enjoyed working at Kiefer Built.  I'd say she was keeping a watchful eye on her six boys. A mother has a way of looking over their children from a distance. One of her sons said "No Matter what I've done or the heartache I've caused, she always made me feel loved and welcome in her home." What a blessing to have a mother that loves us unconditionally. Gertrude enjoyed and contributed to many pastoral programs.  Her favorite song is "He Touched Me." Gertrude is survived by her sons: Ronald Kiefer and his wife, Donna of Des Moines, Iowa, Duane Kiefer and his wife, Judy of Corwith, Iowa, Truman Kiefer and his wife, Juanita of Kanawha, Iowa, Kenny Kiefer of Charles City, Iowa, Raymond DeSmidt of Des Moines, Iowa; one daughter, Nancy Mills of Garner, Iowa; two brothers: Darrel and Arthur. Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents Chester and Letha Steuerwald, husband, Donald Kiefer, her three sisters, Norma, Ruth, and Helen; three brothers, Ralph, Aldin, and Donnie; son, Arden; grandson, Roger; two great-grandchildren, Zach and JennaLynn.