Rindert Kiemel

Madison - Rindert (Ren) Kiemel, Jr., age 81, was at home when he peacefully passed away during the night with his wife sleeping by his side on June 23, 2015.

Ren was born on September 28, 1933 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Rindert and Mae (Post) Kiemel. He married Carol Lewis on April 4, 1959 in their neighborhood church where they met. Ren earned his bachelor degree from Hope College, Holland Michigan and his master's degree in public administration from Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan. Before starting his professional career in his chosen field and his marriage, Ren enlisted in the Army from 1956 to 1958. He was able to use his writing skills while serving in France. Ren's first position for a non-profit, non-partisan government research organization was the Pennsylvania Economy League in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he and Carol started their married life from 1959 to 1963. He then was offered a position at the Public Expenditure Survey in Madison, WI and later the Wisconsin Taxpayer Alliance where he was Director of Research until his retirement in February of 1997.

Ren is survived by his wife Carol, his son David Lewis Kiemel of Seattle, WA, his son Timothy Lee Kiemel (Woei-Nan Bair) of Hyattsville, MD, his daughter, Karen Beryl Kiemel of Madison, WI, and brother, Kenneth Dale Kiemel (Catherine) of Cedarburg, WI. His extended family included one sister (Mary Jane), two half sisters (Ruth and Evelyn) and two half brothers (John and James) who are deceased and many dear nieces and nephews.

Ren will always be remembered as the nice quiet guy in the room who would suddenly utter a sly comment or ask a pertinent question. During his working years his life centered on his family, home and church, be it as simple as family dinners every night, to providing his mother-in-law with financial advice and emotional support, to using his wood working skills to fashion toys and furniture, to serving as a church elder. (A favorite activity was helping in the nursery with his wife during church services.) His favorite activities carried over from his youth were biking and tennis, both of which he did with his wife and children, along with many Wisconsin and cross-country camping trips. During his retirement years he continued to enjoy biking locally and in Europe with his wife, visiting his children on both coasts, reading several newspapers daily, auditing classes, and living for the past 18 years in their home surrounded by the University of Wisconsin Arboretum. In addition, he continued to use his professional skills, serving on the Town of Madison Board of Supervisors for over 16 years. He also formed friendships with newly arrived Tibetan immigrants as a result of helping them with their income taxes and other legal matters.

Ren's immediate family gathered for his gravesite burial at the Natural Path Sanctuary on Friday with assistance from Cress Funeral Services. They extend their appreciation to all family members and friends who showed their caring the past month through their cards, calls, visits and e-mails. A special thank you goes to Agrace Hospice Care and Ren's Visiting Angels caregivers. If desired, memorials may be made to DreamBikes, 4245 W. Beltline Highway, 53711 or Deer Park Buddhist Center, 4548 Schneider Drive, Oregon, WI 53575.


Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-3434