John Kiefer, a respected member of the Aptos community, passed away peacefully at his home on October 8, 2025, surrounded by his children. He was 91 years old. Born on April 30, 1934, in Fargo, North Dakota, John spent his childhood in Moorhead, Minnesota, where he grew up with three siblings and enjoyed summers at Little Pine Lake, riding horses and fishing.
John’s academic journey led him to the University of Minnesota, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics. This foundation served him well throughout his diverse career. He was active in the ROTC program during his university years and later served in the Army, achieving the rank of first lieutenant.
While stationed in Virginia Beach, John met his future wife, Peggy Pettitt. The couple married eight months later and celebrated a 55-year partnership. Their family began in Fargo, where they welcomed their first two children, before relocating to Santa Cruz County in 1967, where they completed their family with a third child.
Career and Community Engagement
In Santa Cruz, John founded Kiefer Oil Company and, in 1971, ventured into the automotive industry by opening Santa Cruz BMW. He later expanded his business to include Mazda, rebranding as Santa Cruz Motors. For over two decades, he dedicated himself to both his business and the community.
John was a committed member of Calvary Episcopal Church in Santa Cruz, where he served on the vestry for a decade, applying his business acumen to support the church’s initiatives. His philanthropic efforts extended to various organizations, including Hospice of Santa Cruz County, Rotary, and the Aptos High School Sports Foundation, reflecting his dedication to enhancing community welfare.
John and his family frequently enjoyed outdoor activities at their Tahoe home at Northstar, where they participated in skiing and hiking. Known for his storytelling, John often shared tales from his Midwest upbringing, instilling values of honesty and hard work in his children. His hearty laughter and sense of humor were hallmarks of family gatherings, where his anecdotes often brought joy to those around him.
Tragically, John experienced profound loss when his beloved daughter, Caroline Lee (nicknamed Kitten), predeceased both him and Peggy, who passed away in February 2014 after a long illness. Throughout her decline, John was a gentle and supportive partner.
Legacy and Memorial
John is survived by his son, John II (Corinne) of Reno, Nevada; daughter Elizabeth Kiefer (John Paul) of Soquel; and six grandchildren: JP, Jacob, Justin, and Jack of Eugene, Oregon, along with Caroline and Mason of Soquel. He leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends.
The family expresses deep gratitude to John’s long-time caregiver, Lisa Luna, and to the staff at Hospice of Santa Cruz County for their compassionate care and support during his final days.
A memorial service celebrating John Kiefer’s life will be held on October 25, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Calvary Episcopal Church, located at 532 Center Street in Santa Cruz. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be directed to Calvary Episcopal Church, Hospice of Santa Cruz County, or to a charity of choice.
