Obituary for Theodore Kaeferlein

Theodore Bernhard Kaeferlein, affectionately known as Ted or Teddy, passed away unexpectedly on October 5, 2024, due to complications from a seizure. He was born on June 2, 1997, lived in Champlin, Minnesota, and was a beloved son, brother, and friend, leaving behind a loving family: his parents, Bernie and Laurel (Costain) Kaeferlein; his older brother Nick; and his younger sister, Chrissy. He is also survived by his paternal grandmother, Anita Kaeferlein, and his maternal aunt, Elizabeth (Costain) Smith, along with her children, Nora and Cass Smith. Teddy was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Henry Kaeferlein, and his maternal grandparents, Bob Costain and Mary Kay Kearns Costain.

He attended North Hennepin Technical College from 2015-2017, and worked a variety of jobs over the course of the next few years. He settled on becoming a welding apprentice, but the pandemic of 2020 caused the program to put his education on hold. Ever resourceful, he began working for Atomic Data while he waited for his electrical apprentice education to begin at Summit Academy. He graduated from Summit, and ended up finding a good fit as a technician at Lumen Technologies. When his manager discovered how brilliant he was, how much he loved continually learning new things and helping, Teddy started training others and tackling projects in the office. He truly enjoyed his job and the people he worked with as well as all the animals he met during installs.

A true tinkerer at heart, Teddy had a lifelong love for technology, building his first of many computers at the age of 12. He was always willing to help someone with their computer, 3D printer, or other tech. He’d go with you to Microcenter, would tell you what you need to purchase, he’d help you assemble it, and help you learn how to use it too.

He was also an avid builder, including complicated Lego structures, Knex, train sets, and 3D printing. He enjoyed volunteering to build structures for community events, such as St. Gerard’s Corn Fest and Pumpkinfest, where he contributed his time and talents to help set-up and run various activities. He especially loved working the trebuchet pumpkin launcher which he helped his father build. He also went on five youth mission trips across the United States, helping others in need.

Teddy was known for his love for animals, especially towards dogs, cats, and birds. Rocket, a Beanie Baby blue jay, was a constant companion throughout his childhood. We think of Teddy every time we see a blue jay, saying, “Oooh, look! It’s Rocket!”

Diagnosed with Level 1 High Functioning Autism in his late teens, Teddy embraced his neurodiversity, which shaped his unique perspective and experiences. He was a devoted friend and organizer, often coordinating holiday parties, outings to concerts, fairs, and conventions. He had an argumentative spirit, always ready to engage in lively discussions, but his caring nature meant he would seek resolution when conflicts arose.

Teddy’s legacy will live on through the lives he touched, both as a friend and through his generous decision to become an organ donor, helping others even in death. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for his intelligence, compassion, and unwavering spirit.

A celebration of life service will be held to celebrate Teddy’s life on Monday, October 14, 2024 at St. Gerard Majella Catholic Church with a visitation from 1-2pm, service from 2-3pm, and receptions to follow. St. Gerard’s is located at 9600 Regent Ave. N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55443. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Teddy Kaeferlein to The Epilepsy Foundation at https://www.epilepsy.com/ or Minnesota Pit Bull Rescue at https://mnpitbull.com/