Kevin Kerfeld

Essay written by Kevin's daughter, Heather

A few months ago when my Dad was in the hospital, shortly after we learned that the cancer was back and he was given only one or two weeks to live, we started to see him slip away from us and we began our good-byes. Several of my cousins stopped by to give my Dad some company. Of course, like every other time the Kerfeld boys get together, boisterous laughter ensued and they could be heard up and down the halls. I remember that we were joking around about parties out at the family farm. One of my cousins said, "Well, we learned from the best", of course "The Best" meant my Dad. So that got me thinking about what I learned from "The Best."

My Dad could go anywhere and he would run into someone he knew. As a child, I could never figure out how. I thought he must know everyone, everywhere like Santa Claus or God. As a brooding teenager, I was annoyed because that meant our quick trip to Fleet Farm turned into a long Minnesota hello and goodbye in the parking lot. As I grew older, I learned how important it is to treat people with respect and dignity. I learned that everyone appreciates kindness and a good-hearted belly laugh. I learned that friends can be found anywhere if you open your eyes and your mind. This I learned from The Best.

My Dad knew everything about cars. I mean Everything . I was delighted when I got my driver's license and he restored a white Chevy Malibu for me. I thought I was so cool until a few months later when he caught me lying that I went to work but I was really at my boyfriend's house. He immediately put my beloved Pearl, that's what I called her, up for sale and the person who bought it totaled it less than a month later. Such a tragedy. I learned a hard lesson from that experience about how trust isn't automatically given, it is earned. Because of him, I knew more about cars than most of the guys I dated, and I always astonished the auto parts salesman when I knew exactly what I was looking for when I'd go to pick up parts for my Dad. I learned independence and that just because I'm a girl doesn't mean that I have to rely on guys to do everything for me. I learned that the sound of a big block or Harley motor revving and squealing tires is one of life's greatest pleasures. And of course, this I learned from The Best.

My Dad knew everything about nature and gardening. When we were little, he would take us on walks in the woods and he could name every leaf, every tree, every bird, every berry, and every flower. Every question I ever asked him about farming, nature, gardening, or about how the world works, he knew the answer to like it was just common knowledge. It blew me away. I learned how to appreciate the beauty in nature and its simplicity. I learned to find gratification in the fruits of your labor and to enjoy the harvest. I learned to respect the environment and to honor Mother Earth. I learned from The Best.

My Dad loved rock 'n' roll. He could jam out on air guitar like he was Jimi Hendrix. He knew every artist and song that played on the classic rock station and could tell you what was happening in the world when that song came out. He would have been my first life line if I was ever on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. I loved listening to his old records of Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin, Cream, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, and on and on. I would spend hours alphabetizing them and looking at their covers and liner notes. Of course, I got an A in my History of Rock 'n' Roll class in college because my music education began at birth. I learned that music is best heard loud and on vinyl because you can't get that gritty, raw, organic sound through any other source. I learned a deep appreciation for the power of music to free your mind and move your spirit. I learned how a generation of people bridged a cultural divide and changed the world through music. I learned so much music trivia that I too could probably be asked to be a Life Line on Millionaire. Once again, I learned from The Best.

One side of my Dad that many didn't see was his tender side. There were many facets of his personality that everyone loved him for. He was funny, he was generous, he was considerate, he was helpful, he was a talker, he had many passions in life, he loved to have a good time, he was strong, he was a good friend, he was a hard worker, he was inventive, he was intelligent, he was honest, and so many other qualities. What may come as a surprise is that he was also very sensitive and wore his heart on his sleeve. He loved his wife, his family, and his friends dearly and never shied away from telling them so. He always called me his Liebchen, which means my little loved one in German. He cried every time I gave him a birthday card. He had a deep spirituality and faith in God. He could whoop it up here on Earth with the best of them, but there is no doubt that the pearly gates were flung wide open to invite him in. Heaven will certainly never be the same now that he's there and Earth will never be the same now that he's gone.

I will always treasure these memories of my father as well as so many more. He made me who I am and I will forever be grateful. I truly learned from The Best.

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Funeral Home Obituary

Kevin J. Kerfeld, 59, a resident of Sauk Centre, passed peacefully from this life on Monday, November 19 at the St. Michael's Nursing Home after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was surrounded and supported by his loving family during the last days of his life.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 24 at the Faith Baptist Church in Sauk Centre. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church in Sauk Centre. Please drive your classic car or Harley if you have one unless the weather is poor. Close friends and family are invited to an informal gathering at the Kerfeld family farm and then Linda B's in St. Rosa after the service.

A devoted husband, father, step-father, and grandfather, Kevin was born March 26, 1953 in Melrose to Leo and Monica Kerfeld and is the youngest of 7 children. He graduated from Sauk Centre High School in 1971. He resided between Sauk Centre and Rice during his adult life. Kevin and Mary Moore (Bohm) had three children, Eric, Heather, and Andy. Kevin married Mary Brickweg on July 10, 1999 and welcomed Jason and Jody (and later grandson, Jerome) into his family. He worked in sales at Napa Auto Parts for over 13 years. Prior to Napa, he worked at O & M Enterprises, Frank's Barn Equipment, Wollak's Hardware, Dan Welle's Southtown, and Dairyland Supply.

He enjoyed wrenching on engines, doing smoky burnouts in the street rod, watching NHRA Drag Racing and NASCAR, going on scenic drives in the country, gardening with his Honey, spending time with his family, sharing a laugh with friends, watching old Western and car chase movies, camping, listening to rock 'n' roll music, shaking dice and playing cribbage, going to church, meeting with the men's prayer group, and studying the Bible. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church. Kevin will always be remembered for his big smile, booming laugh, and fun-loving attitude. He has touched the hearts of many and will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Brickweg-Kerfeld; children, Eric Kerfeld of St. Cloud, Heather Kerfeld (Kaleb Bronson) of St. Bonifacius, Andrew Kerfeld of Palmer; step-children, Jason Bruggeman of Thief River Falls, Jody Bruggeman (Scott Masog) of Sauk Centre; grandchild, Jerome Boecker; brothers and sisters, Dorine (Jack) Laudenbach of Sartell, Joan (Clarence) Rueter of Hackensack, Ervin Kerfeld of Melrose, Arthur (Rosemary) Kerfeld of Melrose, Kathleen Schiller of Hanover, Leon (Sue) Kerfeld of Grey Eagle; honorary extended family, the Brickwegs and the Moores; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Monica Kerfeld, and his sister-in-law, Jeannette Kerfeld.

In lieu of flowers please send memorials to St. Michael's Hospice at 425 North Elm St., Sauk Centre, MN 56378. Thank you cards will not be sent, but we are eternally grateful for your kindness and support.