Joseph "Joe" Kiebala

Joseph “Joe” Kiebala, 76, of Richland, passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2023.

Joe was born on October 28, 1947 in Solingen, Germany to Piotr and Walentina (Malicky) Kiebala. He and his family migrated to the United States in 1950 and settled in Saginaw, Michigan. Joe graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1965 and went on to study at Ferris State University until 1968 when he joined the services and served 3 years as a Green Beret in the Special Forces. After serving his country, Joe went back to Ferris State and earned his degree in Accounting. Joe worked for many years as a Financial Planner and retired from Eaton Corporation in 2003.

He married the love of his life, Heidi Sahli in 2002. They spent 21 wonderful years together. 

Joe loved everything about the city of Marshall and was a very active member of the community. He was instrumental in establishing the soccer program at Marshall Public Schools. He was the President of the Marshall Boosters and ran a successful millage campaign. Joe was a marathon runner and avid racquetball player. He participated in the Senior Olympics. Joe spent many hours taking pictures of high school athletic events and loved to give the photos to families afterwards. He loved his faithful canine companion, Casimir, and he was often recognized in town with Casimir hanging his head out of Joe’s truck.

Joe was a real motivator. He was always generous with compliments and loved his family. Joe was a positive person and loved to joke- he was known for his laugh. He captured the hearts of all who cared for him this past year. 

Joe is survived by his wife, Heidi Kiebala; children, Jim (Amanda) Kiebala, Adam (Lynelle) Kiebala, and Kara Kiebala; step-children, Meghan Smith, and Kaitlin (Jake) Fountain; grandchildren, Elara, Nolan, Gabrielle, Cole, Adalyn, and Maylen; step-grandchildren, Gemma and Mya; sisters, Mary, Wanda, and Laura. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Don Pachnik; and sister, Janet Carter. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 10, 2023 at 2pm at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, Michigan 49068. A memorial service will immediately follow the visitation at 3pm with Pastor Steve Olmstead officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Dementia Society of America via check to PO Box 600, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18901 or by visiting https://www.dementiasociety.org/donate. 

Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, or to leave the family condolences.