Obituary of Raymond J. Kaefring

Raymond Joseph Kaefring, 82, of rural Oxford, passed away peacefully January 25, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of faith, family, and hard work.

A Memorial Mass for Ray & his wife Joy E. Kaefring (who passed away October 12, 2025), will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, February 13, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Cosgrove, with burial to follow in the church cemetery.  Following services at the cemetery,  a visitation and luncheon with the family will be held in the church hall from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. All are welcome to join the family at Mass or in celebrating the lives of this wonderful couple during visitation.

Ray was born on June 12, 1943, in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Ivan and Mary (Driscoll) Kaefring. He was raised on a farm in the Cosgrove area and remained deeply rooted in that life for all his years. Ray graduated from Cosgrove High School with the Class of 1961. On April 27, 1963, he married the love of his life, Joy, and together they built a life grounded in faith, family, and the enduring values of farm life.

Ray spent his life doing what he loved - farming. He operated a dairy farm for over 30 years, faithfully milking cows twice a day, every day. After leaving the dairy business, he continued to raise feeder cattle. Anyone who visited his farm would quickly notice Ray’s fondness for red - red buildings, red IH tractors, and red pickup trucks. His work was a reflection of his character: steady, humble, and devoted. Outside of the farm, Ray enjoyed trips to the casino, visiting with friends at the sale barn, and sitting down to a good steak! Above all else, his greatest joy in came from time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom he loved deeply.

Ray is survived by his children: Shelly Michel (Doug), Randy Kaefring (Barb), and Kevin Kaefring (Jennifer); grandchildren Rebecca Kaefring (fiancé Blake Gunderson), Lindsey Kaefring, Jacob Michel (Jackie), Josh Michel (Emily), and Grant Kaefring; great-grandchildren Tenley Hora, Makoy Kaefring, Beau Michel, and Clay Michel; siblings Fred Kaefring (Arlene), Robert Kaefring, Kathy Stockman (Earlis), Margaret Long (Doug), Frank Kaefring, Theresa Swenka (Hanford), and Dean Kaefring (Deb); along with brother-in-law Duane Amelon.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Joy; and siblings Joyce Amelon, Gerry Kaefring, and Ronald Kaefring.

Ray’s life was one of quite faith, honest labor, and deep love. Though his earthly work is now complete, the seeds he planted – in his family, his faith, and the land – will continue to grow for generations to come.