Jeffrey "Jeff" Michael Rengel

Jeffrey “Jeff” Michael Rengel, 52, of Duluth, passed away unexpectedly on December 28th, 2024 in Williamsburg, VA. Born in Hibbing on June 11th, 1972 to Michael and Marty Rengel, he was a graduate of Superior High School, the United States Air Force Academy, and Tulane School of Medicine. He was married to Tamara (née Tafelski) on December 16th, 1995, with whom he has two children.

Jeff worked as an Anesthesiologist in the Air Force prior to relocating to Duluth, where he continued his occupation at Essentia Health for 14 years. Jeff served a total of 24 years in the Air Force and Air National Guard, retiring in 2021 as a Colonel in Command of the 148th Fighter Wing Medical Group. He was a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, deploying twice to Afghanistan. Jeff and his wife moved from Duluth to Williamsburg, VA several months before his passing.

He loved playing golf, at which he excelled. He was also an avid outdoorsman and spent many mornings in the duck blind. He enjoyed watching Minnesota sports and rarely missed a Vikings, Wild, or Twins game.

Jeff was a devout Catholic and true family man. He lived a life of faith and service and was an amazing role model for his children, whom he adored. Jeff was a positive influence on everyone he interacted with. He was an amazing husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. 

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Tamara; son, Payton (Isabelle) of Tacoma, WA; daughter, Aleksie (Collin) Hahn of Tacoma, WA; one granddaughter; parents, Michael and Marty of Hermantown; brother, Mark (Lindsay) of Arlington, VA; and his many nieces, nephews, loving relatives, and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 2801 E 4th St, Duluth, MN with a Visitation beginning at 1:00pm. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 218-727-3555. 

In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to Tunnels to Towers,  Wounded Warrior Project, or Duluth Women's Care Center.