Alfred John Kaiser

Alfred John (“Jim”) Kaiser, a resident of Sterling House, Cape Coral, passed away on Thursday, June 13, at 88 years of age. He had lived in Florida for the past five years, moving from Topeka, Kansas, at the death of his wife, Margaret, in 2008. Jim was born in Fort Recovery, Ohio, the son of Oliver Kaiser and Caroline Guggenbiller Kaiser. Jim began life on a farm and joined the Navy in 1943, at the height of World War II. The Navy selected him to attend the University of Notre Dame, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Naval Science and was commissioned an Ensign. He served aboard ships in the American Theater and was honorably discharged in 1946. Jim returned to the University of Notre Dame and received a second bachelor’s degree (Mechanical Engineering) in 1948. He married Margaret Sullivan of South Bend, Indiana, while pursuing his second degree. Together, they moved to the south suburbs of Chicago where Jim began a career with the Kendall Corporation. He rose through the corporate ranks, beginning with plant management, followed by product manufacturing, and later specializing in warehousing and distribution. In 1972 he was promoted to Corporate Manager of Distribution Facilities and Planning. Jim enjoyed a long and successful business career; he was initially assigned to Chicago, then to Boston, and retired there in 1988. Jim was active in the Catholic Church, serving in a number of volunteer positions over the years. His hobbies included needlepoint, in which his exceptional attention to detail and fine artistic eye produced exquisite wall hangings. Later he developed an interest in the evolution of computing, teaching himself basic computer skills. Throughout his life he loved puzzles and word games and was an avid reader of fiction. He and Margaret especially enjoyed traveling and for several years maintained a small travel trailer in which they “roughed it.” Although Jim and his family had a variety of pets over the years, his attitude towards animals was that of a farm boy; as a child he had a pet known only as “the dog.” Jim is survived by his sister, Anne, of Coldwater, Ohio, and by three of his children: Suellen Kaiser (David) Sim of Cape Coral; James (Pam) Kaiser of Richfield, Ohio; and Daniel (Fran) Kaiser of Chicago. He leaves seven grandchildren: Christine Sim (Terrell) Brooks of Topeka, Kansas; Paul (Christa) Sim of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Nicholas Kaiser of Chicago; Jason (Joy) Kaiser of Kenosha, Wisconsin; James Kaiser of Richfield; Matthew Kaiser, also of Richfield; and Lucas Kaiser of Chicago. Jim is also survived by three great-grandchildren: Sean Sim of Tulsa; Kenneth Kaiser of Kenosha; and Trevor Brooks of Topeka. Jim was predeceased by three of his four siblings: Ruth (Ed Hemmelgarn), Kenneth, and Faye (Jerry Hein). His beloved wife, Margaret, died in 2008. He was also predeceased by a son, Alfred John Kaiser, Jr., who passed in 2001. The family extends special thanks to Sterling House and Hope Hospice of Fort Myers for their superb care of and loving interest in Jim. He was aware of the wonderful care he received each day, even though he was unable to express appreciation during his final days. His caregivers are special people who made his life comfortable and made him feel special each day. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Hope Hospice, 9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, FL, 33908. A parish rosary will be prayed Friday, June 28 at 4 p.m. with family greeting friends until 6 p.m. at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd, Topeka KS 66614. A second visitation will be held at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home on Saturday June 29 from 12-1 with the funeral service to follow.

Alfred John Kaiser

June 28, 2013