Tefer, Dr. John Joseph Dr. John Tefer passed away peacefully in his home in Andover, MN on March 1, 2019. He was 68 years old. John is survived by his wife Cheryl, children Matthew and Catherine (David) Blanchard, and granddaughter Ruby Blanchard. He is preceded in death by his daughter Anne, parents Joseph and Ruby, and sister Janet Halpin. John was born in Cedar Rapids, IA to parents with roots in the area's farming and Czechoslovakian communities. A state championship in the pole vault earned John a track scholarship to the University of Iowa. A versatile performer, John competed in the high jump, long jump and the 440-yard relay, as well as the pole vault; his true passion. A four-year letterman, John, in his senior year, was captain of the university's track team and a Big 10 champion in the pole vault. John's leadership and achievements in track mirrored his drive to succeed in professional life. John earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in education from the University of Iowa, including a PhD in educational administration. These degrees took him to Assumption High School in Davenport, IA and later to administrative positions in Cedar Falls, IA, Clinton, IA, Princeton, MN and finally to Blaine, MN where he served as high school principal in the Anoka-Hennepin school district. In his retirement, he continued to immerse himself in volunteer activities including coaching at Legacy Christian Academy and volunteer visits with Tamarisk, a hospice organization. Private services will be held.

Published on March 6, 2019