George D. Kiehl Jr.

On Valentine’s evening, George D. Kiehl, Jr. of East Petersburg decided it was time to “cruise” to his Heavenly Home to be with those he missed. He courageously fought his cancers and was an inspiration to many who knew and loved him. George was born at home in Lancaster on March 8, 1935. His parents were the late George D. Sr. and Ruth C. Nixdorf Kiehl. George was well known for his ability and knowledge of customizing and restoring older cars. While a teenager, he and his best friend, Tom Matroni spent many hours at their Rock Street Garage (nearly 30 years) working on Hot Rods. For several years he owned the Rock Hill Garage where he continued using his talents, thereby enabling him to meet his wife Doris M. Rankin Kiehl. He needed to “fix” some of her lead foot catastrophes. George was happy to be a member of the Vagabond Rod and Custom Car Club. Many, many happy hours were spent with these devoted and loving friends. He enjoyed taking his ’56 Black Ford Victoria to car shows, which he bought brand new. More recently, “thanks” to his son Troy, he was able to show his Black three-window ’32 Ford Coupe, a project in the making for fifty seven years. George was a member of the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, East Petersburg and he especially enjoyed the activities of the Young at Heart. He was also a member of the East Petersburg Lions Club. George had served in the United States Army. He retired from Alcoa nearly 17 years ago and certainly enjoyed his retirement. He and Doris were looking forward to celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on June 20, 2014.

Throughout this difficult journey, George, Doris and Troy were touched by the many kindnesses of Dr. Reddy and staff at the Anne B. Barshinger Cancer Institute.

Surviving in addition to his wife is a son, D. Troy Kiehl (Sommer) and their children, Nicole and Paige of Ephrata, a daughter, Kimberly A. Prouse (Michael) and their children, Brandon and Ashley and extended family, Kim and Derrick Boyer of whom Dad was so proud. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul and Edwin Heistand and three sisters, Dorothy Scott, Betty Miller and Elsie Hill. Rest in peace my darling husband and Troy’s “Best” buddy.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1905 Broad Street, East Petersburg on Thursday, February 20, 2014 at 11:00 AM. Interment in the adjoining church cemetery. Friends may visit with the family at the church on Thursday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Those desiring may send contributions in George’s memory to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church (in memo: Zion’s Angels- American Cancer Society) or Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Memorial Fund, 1905 Broad Street, East Petersburg, PA 17520.