KAFER, Richard 1944-2012

KAFER, WATT, AINLEY, COUGHLIN, PHELPS

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 4/27/2012 at 17:55:18

[Waterloo Courier, Sunday, February 5, 2012]

Richard "Dick" Kafer passed away Jan. 17, 2012, at the age of 67 in San Carlos, Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico, less than a year after being diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and Adenocarinoma.

He was born Dec. 3, 1944, to Leo and Muriel Watt Kafer in St. Paul, Minn. Dick lived in Waterloo all of his school and work years. On July 14, 1984, he married Barbara Ainley. They were later divorced.

In 1995 he retired from John Deere Product Engineering Center. Upon retirement he moved to Garrison, Minn., where he resided for three years before relocating to San Carlos, Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico. His passion was fishing; among his favorite spots were the Mississippi River, Mil Lacs Lake and the Sea of Cortez. On an extended visit, Dick fell in love with San Carlos, Mexico and the Sea of Cortez - deciding that he would prefer to fish year round in the open water on the clear blue Sea of Cortez, rather fishing through a hole in the ice. Dick participated for many years in RAGBRAI and enjoyed antiquing, tinkering and playing golf. Dick will also be remembered for his sense of humor, quick wit, extensive vocabulary, and diverse knowledge. He enjoyed having a beer with his buddies and was always up for a debate.

He is survived by his mother, eight siblings, three children: Leo Kafer (Beth) of Salinas, Calif., Cheri Coughlin (Brendan) of Coon Rapids, Minn., and Kelly Phelps (Anthony) of Eagan, Minn.; as well as seven grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his father and his brothers David and Chris.

A memorial service was held in San Carlos with his ashes placed upon the Sea of Cortez. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Amvets, 1934 Irving St., in Cedar Falls for family and friends from 2 to 6 p.m.

Memorials preferred to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or online at www.cancer.org.