Donald Tepfer

Donald Edward Tepfer, age 83, of Pequot Lakes, passed into the loving arms of Jesus on Monday, April 11, 2016. He was born September 9, 1932, in Faribault, MN and was adopted by Adolph and Edna Tepfer at the age of 23 months. Don was baptized on June 11, 1934, and was confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church (now Gloria Dei) on May 12, 1946. He attended Pleasant Valley and Pine River schools, graduating from Pequot Lakes High School in 1950 He was a charter member of the Boys State Organization in 1949.

Don married Arlene Hurtig on Sept. 15, 1956, and together they farmed for a number of years. In Nov. of 1966 he was hired as a clerk for the U.S. Postal Service in Pequot Lakes and in 1974 became Postmaster there. In Sept. of 1990 he became Postmaster in Akeley, MN, and retired in May 1996 after 30 years of service.

Don was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church for 80 years where he served as a church elder, choir member, soloist, Sunday School teacher and Superintendent, and Board of Education member. He served as Maple Township clerk, director of the Pequot Lakes Creamery Board and was a member of the Pequot Lakes Area Historical Society. He was also on the All School Reunion Committee as treasurer and was a director and treasurer for the Cass County Fair Board for many years.

Don enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved to garden and sell produce at the Farmer's Market. He also liked to fish, travel and cook and he made the best baked beans. Music was a large part of his life, playing piano and performing solos.

Don is survived by his wife, Arlene; children: Kevin Tepfer, LeAnne Sandberg, Laureen Miller, Cynthia Volk; grandchildren, Jeremy and Justin Volk; 7 step grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Leona Hartwig; in-laws, Clarence and Jennie Hurtig; and brother-in-law, Gene Hurtig.

Services will be 11 AM on Saturday, April 16, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Pequot Lakes. Visitation will be Friday from 5 to 7 PM at Kline Funeral Home, Pequot Lakes, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the Pequot Lakes City Cemetery.