Gregory Kaufenberg

Gregory John Kaufenberg, 65, went home to be with his Lord his Saviour on June 4, 2011 after a ten year battle with brain cancer. Greg was born in St. Paul on May 9, 1946 to John and Myrtle (Pugleasa) Kaufenberg. He grew up on the east side of St. Paul, attended St. Patrick's Elementary School and later attended Hill High School, graduating in 1964. He attended the U of M for one year then joined the Air Force on January 26, 1966. After basic training as a medic, he was assigned to the School of Aerospace Medicine at Brooks AFB, San Antonio, TX. On November 4, 1967 he was united in marriage to Janice Marie Kolar in New Brighton, MN. They made their home in San Antonio until his honorable discharge in May of 1969. The couple then moved back to MN where they eventually bought their first home in North St. Paul and started a family. Greg then attended St. Paul Technical College to get his training as an electrician. He went on to get his Master's license and started Leading Electric. Twelve years later, along with his wife and three children, Brian, Angela and Matthew, they moved to Maplewood, MN where daughters Margaret and Abigail were born. In 1995, they all set off on a new adventure ? resort owners. The family loved the outdoors so it was a good fit. Country Bay Resort on Lake Miltona became their new home. Many memories were made there. His favorites were visiting with new and old friends, catching up with what had happened since their last stay, keeping the grounds nice, sharing fishing stories, keeping a tackle box filled for kids, and even the hectic Saturdays getting the resort ready for another week. He was always busy and would tell people as he looked around the grounds ?this is my office?. When he wasn't in ?his office?, he also owned and operated Miltona Electric. Throughout his life, Greg enjoyed many hunting and fishing trips, cheering on his children at their softball games or theater productions, and watching movies with them. Family gatherings were special to him and he tried to never miss one. He was an active member of First Baptist Church in Parkers Prairie, MN and served as a deacon for many years. His walk with the Lord was first and foremost in his life. He was so grateful for his five children and so blessed when seven grandchildren came along. He truly enjoyed spending time with all of them. Greg was a very special, loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend. He will be greatly missed, but his family and friends take comfort in knowing that he is with the Lord. He is survived by his wife Jan (Alexandria, MN); son Brian (Taylors Falls, MN); daughter Angela (Mike) Ristow (Milltown, WI); son Matthew (Harmony) Kaufenberg (Hoffman, MN); daughter Margaret (Alexandria, MN) and daughter Abigail (Alexandria, MN); grandchildren Jackson Olson; Jonas, Calvin, Walter and Penelope Ristow; and Emily and James Kaufenberg; mother, Myrtle Kaufenberg (Austin, TX); sister MaryAnne (Rick) Cleason (Austin, TX) and sister Francine Kaufenberg (Dennis Mork) (Lino Lakes, MN); sister-in-law Julie (Scott) Kaufenberg (Kingman, AZ); sister-in-law Jane Kaufenberg Landwehr (Stephen) (Maplewood, MN); nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, John and his brothers, Scott, Frank and Stephen. The family wants to thank Knute Nelson for providing a beautiful, peaceful environment for Greg and his family during the last days. A special thank you to Pastor Bob Deugan and wife Jeanne for ?always being there? and all the family and friends who prayed, visited and called us. Your love was overwhelming. To God be the glory ? He has never left us nor forsaken us (Hebrews 13:5). A funeral service was held on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at the First Baptist Church in Parkers Prairie, MN with Reverend Bob Deugan officiating. Music was provided by organist, Carol Nelson and soloists, Mindy Walsh, Christina Firezar, Carol Nelson and Pam Anderson. Interment was in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Casket bearers were Brian Kaufenberg, Matt Kaufenberg, Dan Macy, John Macy, Dennis Mork, and Mike Ristow.