Keith Kerfeld

Keith Kerfeld (1/12/1956 - 6/2/2024)

Keith Kerfeld was a devoted husband and father, silly Grandpa, loyal brother and friend, hardworking advocate, and generous man to everyone he met. After a life full of smiles, laughter, and mischief, Keith went to his heavenly home with Jesus on June 2, 2024.

Keith Kerfeld was born January 12, 1956 to Irene (Klasen) and Norbert Kerfeld in Littlefork, Minnesota. He was the second of six children in an always lively home. After moving several times in his early childhood, Keith's family found a forever home in Glenwood, Minnesota. He graduated from Glenwood High School in 1974 and attended Saint John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota. At Saint John's, Keith met the love of his life Elizabeth (Higgins) Kerfeld.

Keith moved to St. Paul, Minnesota and attended William Mitchell College of Law. He earned his Juris Doctor with honors in 1982. In 1983, after being repeatedly asked by Liz to marry her, Keith and Liz wed in Storm Lake, Iowa. According to both, it was the happiest day of their lives.

Keith joined the litigation department and became a partner at Rider, Bennett, Egan & Arundel. In 1994, Keith partnered with Michael Tewksbury and Michael Zimmer in founding Tewksbury, Kerfeld, Zimmer P.A. In 2005, the firm changed to Tewksbury & Kerfeld, P.A. Serving as the Managing Partner since the inception, Keith led the firm to over 30 years of success focusing his practice on a unique combination of plaintiff cases and insurance defense litigation. He was a sought-after mediator, known to be compassionate and fair to opposing parties.

Keith and Liz were truly best friends and were often labeled "codependent" by their children. The first thing Keith would do upon returning home would be to give his "Shubuz," Liz, a passionate kiss, eliciting eyerolls from their children. Later, even when they commuted to Minneapolis and worked together, they would still prefer each other's company for errands, chores, and at any event. Trips around the United States and to Canada, Mexico, Spain, France, British Virgin Islands, and Jamaica were all special adventures they shared. Even after 40 years of marriage, their love was deep, true, and forever.

In North Oaks, Minnesota, Keith and Liz raised their four children: Allison Wells (Andrew), Lindsay Berger (Michael), Mitchell Kerfeld (Talisha), and Michael Kerfeld (Zoe). Keith had a unique and special relationship with each of his children. He was always their biggest supporter, no matter the situation. He coached every sport, even those he never played. His coaching didn't end with sports, he sent inspirational and often silly "Confucius Keith" wisdoms to his "grasshoppers" and would be available for advice at any moment. He expected the best from his children, but was also pure fun, chasing his kids around the pontoon in the lake, camping under the stars, and always ready for a fireworks display or a bonfire. He was the foundation and leader of their family in every way.

Keith was a child at heart and he loved being around his 8 grandchildren - Mitchell and Talisha's children: Tyler (8), Charlotte (6), William (3), and Lucas (1); Alli and Andy's children: Sloane (7) and Mara (5); Lindsay and Michael's daughter: Birdie (1); and Michael and Zoe's son: Henry (5 months). In any setting, you would find Keith feeding a baby, with a kid crawling up his chest, or playing "chin music" or "the claw." The grandchildren flocked to Grandpa, knowing he always had a treat, tickle, or silly face.

Keith loved to be with his family. He deeply loved his wife, children, and grandchildren, as well as his siblings, nieces, nephews, and their children. Keith's favorite times were with Liz and his kids at the cabin on Big Sand Lake, hunting at the family farm in Watkins, Minnesota, and on family trips to the beaches of Mexico. Hosting friends and extended family gatherings was important to Keith. Together with Liz, he designed and built multiple family homes, as well as the family cabin, with the purpose of providing a comfortable, welcoming environment for everyone to gather.

Keith was generous. He loved to play Santa, and there was never a shortage of presents for everyone when he was around. He was a giver, and would do anything to pitch in or help someone in need. During the throes of the pandemic, Keith and Elizabeth drove hours to each of their children's homes around Minnesota to drop off Easter surprises. They often dropped off meals for the nurses working holiday shifts with their daughter Lindsay. Each Christmas, Keith and Elizabeth made their Kerfeld Christmas Cookie delivery around the Twin Cities to close friends and family.

Keith was the life of the party. When he walked into a room, everyone knew it was going to be a great time. He enjoyed a raucous game of cribbage, and an occasional tequila shot. As witnessed by those in the legal field, he was able to forge respect and friendship even with his fiercest rivals. He was fair and just, caring deeply about the well-being of others, even those he didn't know.

Faith was a pillar of Keith's life. He was an active member of St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church in White Bear Lake for over 30 years. He served as the President of the Parish Council and even created his own sneaky parking spot due to a routinely full lot that his kids referred to as his "presidente parking." He lived by the oft-quoted guidance: "Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary."

Always open to fun adventure and bringing joy to everyone in his sphere, Keith lived life to its fullest. He was a steady leader for his family. His loss was an immediate and profound hole in our hearts and the world. He will be greatly missed.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents Norbert and Irene Kerfeld, along with numerous aunts and uncles. In addition to Elizabeth and his children, Keith is survived by his siblings Brenda (Larry) McJunkin, Anna (Paul) Lillyblad, Allan (Jackie) Kerfeld, Cheryl Kerfeld (Tom Spors), Mark Kerfeld (Karen Olson), as well as their many children and grandchildren, who he all loved dearly. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Keith's name to Second Harvest Heartland: Secondhand Harvest Heartland Donation