Jeff Irrthum, age 60, of Eagan, Minnesota, died early Sunday, April 23, 2023 at Regions Hospital, St. Paul, Minnesota.
Jeffrey Herbert Irrthum was born in Cannon Falls, Minnesota on November 10th, 1962, the oldest child of Gerald and Mary Irrthum (Nicolai). He grew up in Hampton, Minnesota and later moved to the family farm outside Randolph, Minnesota. He attended St. Mathias Elementary School and graduated from Randolph High School with the class of 1981. He graduated from Normandale Community College with a degree in Hospitality Management. Jeff met his future wife, Leslie Pickerign, in high school, and they married on June 23, 1984.
Jeff endured health problems his entire life; most were annoying, some were life-threatening, and several were obscure or rare. He always survived. He had more lives than a cat. He accepted his situation without complaint and continued to experience life, even when illness left him lethargic or in pain.
Jeff was the loudest voice in the room. He often could be heard telling a joke (sometimes inappropriate) or sharing a story (usually exaggerated). Most people enjoyed his humor, and all valued his company. He participated in and followed many sports. He was an active golfer, a youth coach, and a passionate Minnesota Vikings football and University of Minnesota Golden Gopher hockey fan. All genres of music excited Jeff, and he entertained (or annoyed) his family with music trivia.
He was a beloved and loving son, husband, father, and brother, and was a loyal friend, classmate, teammate and neighbor.
Survivors include wife Leslie, son Chaz Irrthum, and daughter Cayla (Matt) Kucera. He was known as grandpa, baka, and papa to Riley and Rori Irrthum and Weston Kucera. He is also survived by mother, Mary Irrthum, sister Jeralyn (Gregg Radecki) Irrthum, brother Jeremy (Kristin Scott) Irrthum, as well as many, many, nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.
Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Irrthum, infant brother James, maternal grandparents Irene and Herb Nicolai, and paternal grandparents Gertrude and John Irrthum.
Jeff’s family is grateful to the hundreds of nurses and doctors who comforted him during his frequent extended hospital stays. Special gratitude to the dedicated and skilled staff at Regions Hospital.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, from 5-8:00 pm at Lundberg Funeral Home, 5839 Hwy 19 Blvd, Cannon Falls, MN 55009.
