Ralph-Peter Kufeke

Peter was born to Claire and George Kufeke on September 26, 1941 in Baden-Baden Germany and passed away on February 8, 2025. The Kufeke family immigrated to the United States in 1951 and settled in and around Philadelphia PA. Peter received an appointment to the US Military at West Point, NY, in 1960 after studying at Rutgers University and service in the US Navy.

His graduation was followed by various combat training assignments at Ft. Benning, GA, followed by assignments in the 3d Infantry Division and 10th Special Forces.

While at Ft. Sill OK, he met Diane Starn. The two were married in January 1969 after he returned from serving in the 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam. He left military service with multiple decorations including Ranger Tab, Bronze Star, and Meritorious Service Medal, among others.

Graduate School at OSU Stillwater OK prepared Pete to work in industry at Charmin Paper Products and twenty five years at Eastman Kodak, primarily in Windsor, CO. One highlight of this assignment was helping to establish the Northern Colorado Center for Quality Excellence with the guidance of Dr. Myron Tribus, formerly of MIT.

Diane and Pete were blessed and loved by four children, Stephanie Abel (Terry), Laura Pask, Amy Barrett, and David Kufeke. Additionally they are proud grandparents of twelve beautiful grandchildren: Ryan, Kylie, Alex, Jordan, Ben, Brendan, Chris, Will, Connor, Noah, Faith, and Selah.

Peter was proud to serve his community through many organizations including Koinonia Christian Fellowship, Kiwanis, and Habitat for Humanity. He also served nearly 30 years alongside Diane in a broad variety of positions in Kairos Prison Ministry. Peter was incredibly devoted to his in Kairos as he was able to work with veterans to deal with the aftereffects of combat, many whom were homeless, incarcerated and committed suicide and an unusually high rate.

Peter was a man of deep faith who cared deeply for the earth and the people in it. Be it through his volunteer work or reducing his footprint, he was always looking for ways to make the world a better place. While greatly travelled, he loved that he was able to call the beautiful state of Colorado home. He will be deeply missed and is preceded in death by his parents, brother Gunter, and sister Sylvia.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s research.

Services will be held February 15, 2025, 11:00 am at Smoky Hill United Methodist Church in Centennial, CO. Light refreshments to follow.