Obituary of Thomas John Kaffine

Thomas John (Blade) Kaffine, 62, of Grand Marais died on January 31 at Essentia St. Mary’s in Duluth.

A gathering of friends will take place from 11AM to 2PM, February 14, 2021 at the Grand Marais Recreation Area outdoor pavilion. You are welcome to bring food and drink. A private, family service will be scheduled at a later date.

Blade was born on January 14, 1959 to Carl and Elsie Kaffine in Ironwood, Michigan. He graduated from Eveleth, Minnesota High School in 1977, Mesabi Junior College in 1979, and the University of Minnesota, Duluth in 1981.

Blade loved to connect with people with his cheerful sense of humor. Blade retired in 2018 after 36 years on the Gunflint District of the Superior National Forest working in wilderness and trails, wildfire, and forestry. More about him can be found under his name at Epilogg.com.

His family resides in Minnesota and includes his wife, Lissa Grover, Grand Marais; father, Carl Kaffine, Eveleth; and siblings, Steve (Kathy), Owatonna; Mary Nona (Jack) Surma, Little Falls; Jane (Dan) Leslie, Duluth; Bill (Kirsten), Owatonna; Jean (Marty) Annoni, White Bear Lake; and Gloria (Keith) Habeck, Farmington. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Elsie Kaffine.

Memorial donations may be made to LifeSource Organ Donation or Wildland Firefighter Foundation.