Ralph Joseph Kuffner

Mr. Ralph Joseph Kuffner, 55, of 315 Collingswood Drive, Concord, and formerly of Cove City, died early Saturday morning, November 4, 2006, at his home, surrounded by his family, from complications due to cancer. Ralph was known to many as a wonderful friend. Services will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 8, 2006, at Lady's Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Mike Wood will officiate. Interment will follow at the National Cemetery in Salisbury with military rites conducted by the Rowan County Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Lady's Funeral Home. At other times they will be at the residence. Generally speaking, anyone who knew Ralph knew that it wasn't the material goods that bring joy to your life; it was the relationships with your loved ones. When asked, the family will remember his humorous disposition and quiet faith. Nothing meant more to him than his children, and in his twilight years, his grandchildren. There is a place in the lives and hearts of his family that will be empty without this beloved man, but there are more stories and antidotes than anyone could mention in one article that will comfort the bereaved family. Born March 21, 1951, in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of Marjorie Viola Herdmann Kuffner and the late Joseph George Kuffner. He had lived in this area since November 2005 and was employed with Corestaff in Concord. He formerly worked as a baker at Schlotzsky's Delicatessen in New Bern. He was a US Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother, Roger Kuffner. Survivors include his wife of 21 years, Mary Steinbrecher Kuffner of the home; mother, Marjorie Herdmann Kuffner of Cove City; sons, James Kuffner and wife, Crystal, Thomas Kuffner and Adam Kuffner, all of Concord, David Haslach, Sr. and wife Sherry, of Dover, NJ; daughters, Kathryn Haslach Miccoli and husband, Justin, of Concord, Elizabeth Ingram and husband, Justin, of Kannapolis; sister, June Kershow of Hicksville, NY; brother, Walter Kuffner of Cove City; and six grandchildren, Timothy "T.J." Kelley, Amanda Ashcraft, Hunter Haslach, Adalena Kuffner, David Haslach, Jr and Jackson Ingram. Memorials may be sent to Saint Andrew Lutheran Church, 1605 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 28650 or Coastal Health Resource of New Bern, PO Box 831, New Bern, NC 28563.