Kurt D. Kiefer

Kurt D. Kiefer died Tuesday, September 19, 2017 in Fergus Falls, MN after a brief battle with Pancreatic Cancer at the age of 62. He was born on March 1, 1955 at St. John’s Hospital in Fargo, ND.

Kurt was a nationally known auctioneer and a Life Member of the National Auctioneers Association. He was inducted into the National Auctioneers Hall of Fame in 2015 in Dallas, Texas. He previously served 10 years on the Board of Directors of the NAA including 7 years as treasurer. He also served 5 years as an Auction Institute Trustee and 4 years on the National Auctioneers Foundation Board. He was a proud member of the Certified Auctioneers Institute, a higher educational program for auctioneers. Kurt attended the past 38 consecutive annual conventions of the NAA.

Kurt loved small business and was keen on developing businesses and web-stores. Kiefer Auction Supply.com, Antique Dealers Supply.com, Chandelier Parts.com, Vintage Trims.com, are among the current on-line stores he owned. He also owned Nelson Bros. Printing in Fergus Falls and Fargo Rubber Stamp Works in Fargo-Moorhead. He was most proud of buying FRS in 2012 and the legacy it brought. FRS continues to thrive more than 130 years after it’s founding. The companies will continue to operate with many long-time employees taking over management and operation of the firm.

Born to Bruce and Barbara Ford Kiefer, Kurt grew up in Moorhead, MN. He attended Moorhead High School graduating in 1973 and was Student Council President in 1972-1973. He enjoyed the theatre and was in regional one-act plays. He also enjoyed working at the Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre.

He is survived by his mother Barbara Perham, MN sister Katie Steamboat Springs, CO, brothers: Mark Wayzata, MN and Jim and sister-in-law Kyle Northbrook, IL Mark Amon, Kurt’s partner of 26 years and his family Joyce and Jim Logan, Kim and Joe Jenni, Cindy & Jarrett Leas and Tom Amon. Also uncle John Kiefer Santa Cruz, CA and aunts Janet Kiefer Martin San Diego and Peggy Ford Cline Marshall, MN many nieces, nephews and cousins. He also leaves special long-time friends Jim Kloster, Mike Ross and Marlin Olson, Kelly Murray, Jeff Christianson and his beloved dog Chaka.

He has many long-time employees that he was very proud of and held in high regard including: Mike Breen, Travis Martinson, Lynn, Ernie, Lance, Kate, Josh, Kevin in Fergus Falls and Andy, Chris, Jodie, Donna, Gary, Leisha, and Andrew in Fargo.

After high school Kurt went into talent management and booked bands with Dave Hoffman a/k/a Winston Fink and started the talent agency
Winston-Kiefer Entertainment, which booked many of the areas top bands for several years.

In 1978 he moved to Ft. Lauderdale where he started Kiefer Auction Service and Kiefer Auction Supply in 1980. He moved both businesses to Fergus Falls in 1987 where they have been located ever since. During the 1990’s Savings & Loan crisis, he auctioned assets from many failed Savings and Loans from over a dozen states coast to coast. He was an accomplished auctioneer and during his later career concentrated on inventory liquidations.

He enjoyed buying and selling real estate and bought several large buildings in downtown Fargo. He started Kiefer Variety Stores, which had downtown Fargo and Moorhead Center Mall locations in addition to Fergus Falls, Valley City and Grand Forks.

Service is scheduled for September 30 2017 at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead MN. Coffee and Visitation 9:30, Memorial Service 11:00, Luncheon 12:00. Burial to follow at Riverside Cemetery.

Memorials in Kurt’s name can be made to:
National Auctioneers Foundation
Scholarship Fund
8880 Ballentine
Overland Park, KS 66214
http://www.auctioneers.org/contact-naa/