David Edward Kafton

David was born on October 31, 1947 in Mapleton, Iowa to Nels and Zelma Kafton. He attended Mapleton High School where he graduated with the class of 1965, and later received an Associate’s Degree of Business from Sioux Empire College in Hawarden, Iowa.

In January of 1968 he was drafted into the Army, and attained the rank of Specialist 4. He valiantly and courageously served his country in The Republic of Vietnam. He was wounded in action on April 5, 1969, suffering traumatic head injuries requiring a lengthy hospitalization at Fitzsimons General Hospital in Denver, Colorado. He was honorably discharged from Company B 2nd Battalion 47th Infantry 9th Infantry Division on October 8, 1970 after 2 years, 9 months and 2 days of service.

David was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Purple Heart, the Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bars (M-14 & M-16) and Machine Gun Bar (M-60) and the Overseas Bar.

David was happily married to Cecelia “Celene” Frances Hoefling on November 4, 1969 in Dakota City, Nebraska. After his service to his country David was employed with Northwestern Bell in Sioux City, Iowa, and was transferred to Mountain Bell in 1981 in Littleton, Colorado. He retired from the communications industry after 31 years of diligent service. After retiring, David and Celene moved to Castle Rock, Colorado where he enjoyed traveling, woodworking, camping and RVing and spending time with his family.

He had an infectious smile, a kind heart, a solid work ethic and was overwhelmingly loved by his family. He always had a corny dad joke or a story to tell. He was an active member in his parish of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Castle Rock, Colorado and in the DAV.

David is survived by his loving wife Celene, of nearly 52 years, and by his children and grandchildren. Kaye, her husband Gene and sons Melvin, Jacob and Samuel (Aurora, CO); Sheila, her husband Joe and sons and daughters Madison, Maxwell, Mckenna and Maguire (Castle Rock, CO); Sheri, her husband Andy and sons and daughters Joslynn, Faith, Maggie, Andrew, Pollie, Isaac, Arian and Nicholas (Castle Rock, CO); Matt and his wife Dalila (Centennial, CO); his sisters Joan (Hemet, CA) and Carla (Battle Creek, IA); sisters-in-law Peggy (Mapleton, IA) and Linda (Harlan, IA), as well as numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

David was preceded in death by his parents Nels and Zelma, his brothers Larry, Garry and Kenneth, his brothers-in-law Bruce, Charles, Kenny and Harold, and his sister-in-law Connie.

There will be a Vigil Rosary on Thursday, October 28th at 7 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in Castle Rock, Colorado. A Memorial Mass held in his honor at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church on Friday, October 29th, at 11 a.m. There will be a reception in Assisi Hall following interment.

The funeral mass of David Kafton will be live streamed for those who are unable to join us in person. Please go to stfranciscr.org/videos and click on the “Facebook Page” button. You do not have to have a Facebook account to view the streaming. The streamIng will not start until 10 minutes prior to the service