Jeffry Joseph Kaftan

Jeffry Joseph Kaftan, age 53, passed away on Saturday, August 13, 2016 after nearly four years of battling colon cancer. His energetic life began on December 29, 1962 when he was born in the car between Talahina, OK, an Indian reservation, and Mc Alister, OK. He is the son of Dr. Robert Kaftan (who delivered him) and Bonnie Pfotenhauer Kaftan. Jeff married Julie Ann Grosse at Annunciation Catholic Church in Green Bay on June 13, 1992. They had two children: Joseph (21) and Anna (18). His family was his main hobby as he enjoyed traveling, biking and running with them. Jeff graduated from Abbot Pennings High School in 1981 where he received multiple awards in sports, leadership and school activities. He received a B.S. degree from Creighton University. He also attended the University of Loyola, Rome, Italy, and the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, where he studied Spanish and Marian College earning degrees in elementary education and a master of arts in education. Jeff switched careers in 2007, after working in the world of finance at Wells Fargo Bank for five years and Robert W. Baird for 12 years. He redirected his energy and enthusiasm to education where he felt he could make a greater difference. He was principal of Notre Dame of De Pere and St. Thomas More of Green Bay. He inspired students, faculty, family and friends with his personal set of commandments: 1) Live each day to its fullest- Give it all you’ve got, even if you’re not feeling great (I can do all things through Him who strengthens me (Phillipians 4:13). 2) Devote yourself to others’ betterment. 3) Never pass up an opportunity to help someone in need (follow the golden rule). 4) Let your love of God, family and friends pour forth. 5) Perform “acts of kindness” wherever and whenever possible. Jeff’s enthusiasm and dedication to these principles were contagious. Jeff received awards and honors for his many volunteer endeavors. Among these was serving Scholarships, Inc as President, Vice President, Chairman of Finance, and selection committees. He taught evening ELL classes and coached various sports as well as working with Hispanic families at St. Willebrord’s and many more. His dynamic personality and upbeat attitude will be missed a great deal by his wife of nearly 25 years, Julie Ann (Grosse) Kaftan; his children: Joseph and Anna; parents, Dr. Bob and Bonnie (Pfotenhauer) Kaftan; his brothers and sisters-in-law: Matthew and Jayne Kaftan, Drs. Gregory and Giordana Kaftan, Frederick and Amy Kaftan, Drs. Hal and Juli Kaftan and Dr. Rob and Jane Kaftan; father-in-law, Bob Grosse; brothers-in-law, Peter and James (Jennifer) Grosse; two aunts: Georgia Kaftan and Jane Poels and one uncle-in-law James (Elizabeth) Berendsen; three Godchildren, a total of 17 nieces and nephews and many very good friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Harold and Gladys (Toonen) Pfotenhauer, Robert and Georgia (Jeanmairet) Kaftan and mother-in-law Donna Grosse. Visitation will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 413 St. John Street, Green Bay, on Thursday, August 18, from 2:00-5:30 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 6:00 pm with the Rev. Joseph Dorner officiating and Fr. Gery Meehan, O.Praem concelebrating. Cotter Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family. Online condolences at www.cotterfuneralhome.com Memorials may be directed in Jeff’s name to St. John’s Homeless Shelter or the American Cancer Society. Our family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Jaslowski and the Green Bay Oncology department who have been with us on Jeff’s journey for over three and a half years. Our family is also grateful to the Froedtert Hospital Cancer Team. We’d also like to express our appreciation for the excellent care Jeff received his final weeks of life from the St. Vincent Hospital ninth floor, I.C.U. and Dr. Grotelueschen.

Reception:
Village Grille
801 Hoffmann Road
Green Bay, WI 54301