In Remembrance
Kevin James Kiffmeyer
February 25, 1958 – April 22, 2018
Kevin James Kiffmeyer, 60 years old, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Sunday, April 22nd, 2018, after a courageous seven and a half year journey with esophageal cancer. Kevin was the beloved husband of Cindy Shore of Monticello. They shared seven years of marriage together.
Born on February 25, 1958 in St. Cloud, MN, Kevin was the son of Jim and Marilyn (Ruotsinoja) Kiffmeyer. He attended Tech High School, graduating in 1976, where he was an outstanding athlete in wrestling, football and baseball as well as an accomplished musician, participating in choir, band, and many musicals. He obtained an undergraduate degree in Choral Music from St. John’s University, and a master’s degree in Music from St. Cloud State University.
Kevin was a long standing choir director at Tech for 34 years where he also coached wrestling and football and was a cornerstone of the theatre department.
He enjoyed being a part of the Sound Image Barbershop Quartet and a board member for Minnesota Centre Chorale. For 20 years, Kevin was an original member of the FuManChu Band, widely known throughout Central MN, during the early 70’s to early 90’s.
He was the choir director at St. Henry’s Church in Monticello, along with being an integral part of their music ministry. Due to his accomplishments in athletics he was inducted into the Tech High School Hall of Fame in 2017.
Kevin will be remembered for his incredible musical talent and beautiful singing voice, but most importantly for his patience, kindness, selflessness and incredible bravery. His passion for music and athletics inspired his students, colleagues, family and friends.
Kevin is survived by his wife Cindy, stepsons Jonathan (Bridget) Shore, TC (Kelsey) Shore, brother Kurt (Laura) Kiffmeyer, sister Kristi (Mike) Hassett, nieces Brenna (Brad) Paradise, Erin (James) Paul, Katheryn Kiffmeyer, nephews Nick Hassett, Ryan Hassett, Nathan Hassett and his grandbabies Ezra Shore and Aubrey Shore who brought great joy to the last 18 months of his life.
Kevin was preceded in death by his parents Jim and Marilyn Kiffmeyer, and stepdaughter Amanda Shore.
Mass of Christian Burial were held at 11:00AM on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at St. Henry’s Catholic Church, 1001 E. 7th Street, in Monticello. Reviewal were at church from 4:00pm to 8:00pm on Friday, April 27th and one hour prior to service. Memorials are preferred to the Kevin Kiffmeyer Scholarship Fund.