David O. Kieft, age 84, of St. Paul, MN, died Friday, January 6, 2023. He was born January 11, 1938, in Milwaukee, WI, to Elinor Owen Kieft and Raymond Kieft. David was 8-years old when his father died. His mother later remarried to Walter Mayer.
David attended Milwaukee Country Day School in Milwaukee, WI and, majoring in history, graduated from Harvard College in 1960 with an A.B. magna cum laude. Dr Kieft assisted Dr. Henry Kissinger at Harvard with a project to bring future foreign leaders to Harvard. He proceeded to the University of California, Berkeley, earning an M.A. (1962) and a Ph.D. (1966) in history.
At the age of 26, Kieft began his career teaching German and Diplomatic History at the University of Minnesota until his retirement in 1991. In 1970, he was a recipient of the Horace T. Morse award for outstanding service to undergraduates. He also taught at the University of St. John at Collegeville, MN. Dr. Kieft was a master lecturer and instilled his love of history in thousands of students. His kind, gentle and generous nature was evident in the large number of lifelong friends who thought the world of him. As one said, "He was a wonderful man." A colleague observed that his passion was teaching, and his technical skill and knowledge raised each lecture to the level of an art form.
David is survived by sister Marilyn Mayer Grossman; nephews Geoff (Caryn) Grossman, Doug (Janet) Grossman, Peter (Becky) Grossman; nieces Lynn Lindsey and Julie (John) Brennan. Survivors also include his cousins Mary, Lee, Robert, Susan, Nancy, Thomas and Ann. Longtime devoted friends include Jim and Sue Tracy, Deborah and Bernie Bachrach, Debbie and John Severn, Theo and Freda Stavrou, Margie Hendriksen, Amy Martin and Jeanne Anne LaRose. Mass of Christian Burial was held on January 12, 2023, at Church of the Assumption, 51 West 7th St., St. Paul, MN. A private burial was at Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights, MN. Memorial contributions can be made to the Church of the Assumption and Paralyzed Veterans of America.
Slightly modified version of what was published in the Star Tribune on January 11, 2023.
