Timothy J. “Tim” Dufer, 53, died on Monday, June 9, 2025 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, following a brief illness.
He was born April 28, 1972, in St. Louis, Missouri, one of two children born to Dennis Dufer and the late Margaret “Peggy” (Lane) Dufer.
Tim grew up in Webster Groves, where he attended Holy Redeemer Catholic School and graduated with the Class of 1991 from Christian Brothers College High School—Go Cadets! He later attended St. Louis Community College at the Meramec campus.
He spent much of his working life in the retail industry, thriving as a talented Merchandise Specialist, holding positions with respected companies including Spicer’s in Clayton, American Eagle, Abercrombie & Fitch, Lord & Taylor, Orvis, Gap, and most recently, Macy’s.
After moving to Jerseyville in 2007, Tim quickly made friends and settled into the rhythm of small-town life. He enjoyed catching games at local establishments, chatting with familiar faces, and keeping conversations going with whatever sports stats were thrown his way.
Tim loved golf, Mizzou Tiger football and basketball, and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals. But nothing lit him up like watching his kids in their element. He never missed a game, a meet, or a performance. Whether he was courtside for Jackson’s basketball games or in the crowd cheering on Olivia through years of gymnastics, track, and dance, Tim was the kind of dad who showed up, every time. He was their biggest fan, and he made sure they always knew it.
This past year, he was overjoyed to welcome his daughter-in-law, Emily, and even more thrilled to become “Grandpa” to his first granddaughter, Harley.
Surviving are his children, Olivia Dufer, and her companion, Kaden Manning, of Fieldon, and Jackson Dufer, and his wife, Emily, of Jerseyville; his granddaughter, Harley Dufer; his father and stepmother, Dennis Dufer and Ellen Gough of Kirkwood, Missouri; his sister and lifelong best friend, Kathy (Mike) Stroup of Rock Hill, Missouri; his niece, Sydney Stroup of Affton; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends who meant the world to him.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Peggy Dufer; his maternal grandparents, Jack and Willa Lane; and his paternal grandparents, Donald and Elma Dufer.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at George’s Pub and Grill in Jerseyville, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. All friends and family are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to his children, in care of Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, who is honored to assist the family.
Memories may be shared online at www.crawfordfunerals.com.
