John Philip Kiefer, a prominent resident of Aptos, California, passed away peacefully at his home on October 8, 2025, surrounded by his children. He was 91 years old and left behind a legacy of community service and family values.
Born on April 30, 1934, in Fargo, North Dakota, John spent his childhood in Moorhead, Minnesota, where he grew up with three siblings. Summers at Little Pine Lake filled his youth with horseback riding and fishing, shaping his love for the outdoors. After completing his education at the University of Minnesota, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in economics, John joined the ROTC program. He later served in the Army, achieving the rank of first lieutenant during his time stationed in Virginia Beach.
Building a Life and Business in California
While in Virginia Beach, John met his future wife, Peggy Pettitt. Their romance blossomed, leading to marriage just eight months later. The couple began their family in Fargo, welcoming two children before relocating to Santa Cruz County in 1967, where they eventually had a third child.
John’s entrepreneurial spirit flourished as he founded the Kiefer Oil Company in Santa Cruz. In 1971, he transitioned into the automotive industry by opening Santa Cruz BMW, which later expanded to include Mazda, evolving into Santa Cruz Motors. For over 20 years, John was deeply involved in his business and community, earning respect and admiration from peers and customers alike.
A Commitment to Community and Family
A lifelong member of the Episcopal Church, John was a dedicated parishioner at Calvary Episcopal Church in Santa Cruz. He served ten years on the vestry, utilizing his business acumen to support the church’s mission. His commitment to community extended to various organizations, including Hospice of Santa Cruz County, the Rotary Club, and the Aptos High School Sports Foundation, among others.
John cherished his family’s time at their Tahoe home in Northstar, where skiing and hiking became favorite activities. He was known for his storytelling ability, often entertaining friends and family with humorous tales from his Midwest upbringing. He instilled values of honesty and hard work in his children, leading by example throughout his life.
John’s devotion to Peggy was evident, especially during her lengthy illness, during which he provided unwavering support until her passing in February 2014. He is survived by his son, John II (Corinne) of Reno, Nevada; daughter Elizabeth Kiefer (John Paul) of Soquel; and six grandchildren, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to John’s long-time caregiver, Lisa Luna, and the staff at Hospice of Santa Cruz County for their compassionate care. A celebration of John Kiefer’s life will be held on October 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Episcopal Church, located at 532 Center Street in Santa Cruz. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be directed to Calvary Episcopal Church, Hospice of Santa Cruz County, or a charity of choice.
