I first met Jeff as a law student when he was in the prosecutor's office in Albert Lea. I tried to convince him to give me a summer clerkship position, as my family lived in Austin. There were no positions available but Jeff was generous with his time and very kind to me. Fast forward a few years and Jeff and I run into each other in court, both practicing law in Hennepin County and doing criminal defense. I was so flattered that he remembered me and struck up a conversation with me in the courtroom, while we were waiting for the judge. Over time we became good friends. and enjoyed many conversations about the law, his family and even opera. But also our girl babies who were close in age, but both all grown up now. Nobody had a mind like Jeff. What a rare combination - big heart and big brain. I will always mourn the loss of such a wonderful man. (Love his wife too btw.)
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We are so sorry that we can not be there today at Jeffs Celebration of Life. Instead we will light a candle in Denmark at 10pm danish time and take a quite moment to celebrate him. He was a very special man and meant a lot to so many people including us.
In one of the pictures below Jeff is standing on top of the grave of Viking King Gorm the Old in Jelling Denmark. It was taken June the 27th 2023 - just 1 week before he was diagnosed with Lymphoma. He was determend to get up the many stairs with the rest of us - a strong will to the end.
We are so grateful, to have known Jeff and also that we was awarded this last great week with him and most of the Rings here in Denmark at Christine and Martins wedding.
Even though Jeff and Verla is not here anymore, they will not stop existing, they will stay in our memories for ever.Love from Annemette & Jan Georg
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I've known Jeff since our days as campers at Camp Tikvah. We "roughed" it together in Aitkin. Jeff always had great taste, so I'm sure he "suffered" with all of us drinking "bug juice" and "un-haute" cuisine camp food, and the disgusting, raw, boys-side outhouse.
In our forties, we reconnected when we each had offices across the hall from each other in the Interchange Tower. Jeff furnished his office with beautiful artwork and furniture. He was very proud of that but even prouder of his family. He glowed when he talked about them.
Jeff was generous to my son. Jeff defended him in court and refused to accept a fee for his excellent work. I will always be grateful.
I hope you all will only have good memories of Jeff. I certainly do.
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I have so many happy memories of Mr Ring. And while I won’t be there with you all to celebrate his life. I’ll be thinking of a rainy night singing away to Céline Dion’s River Mountain High song on full blast with Heather and your dad in his Audi filled with cigar smoke. He will always be remembered for his passion of music, kindness, love of good food, stories and grappling and debating Sophie’s Choice questions.
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Lisa & Brian,
We are very sorry for your loss. We are here if you ever need anything.
Frank & Melissa
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Deep condolences. I remember your DWI policy advice in the 1990s.
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I met Jeff when his daughter Heather & I were at the U together, & like Heather, Jeff was an amazingly special person to spend time with. He was a gracious, entertaining, & knowledge-filled host, & I could *not* feel more fortunate for my memories that Jeff & Heather orchestrated: _Slaughterhouse-Five_ @ Coffman Memorial Union (Could Heather have the night canopy, please?), dinner @ Manny’s with only one of my eyebrows (Jeff made me feel better about this), _Evita_ with all the concessions snacks we could stuff into ourselves, sleepovers @ his & Verla’s beautiful home… Truly, Jeff was an all-around unique & fantastic mentor & person, & our world is definitely better because he was in it.❤️
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Jeff has been a close friend for 65 years. Even with my move away from Minnesota 40 years ago, we would get together when we cam back to visit and it was a continuation of where we left off. we sharedd many moments together including a 7 week backpacking experience through wester Europe and Israel
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My heart goes out to the entire family. Jeff was always kind, fun and down to earth. I just saw him at Auntie Sue’s funeral and I’m so glad I did.
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2023, Jelling Monumenterne UNESCO World Heritage, Thyrasvej, Jelling, Danmark
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2023, Vejle, Denmark
This picture was taken at Christine’s wedding. About a week before he was diagnosed with Lymphoma. He was included at both the parents table and in the father photo :)
— with
Jeff Christine Martin and Christine and Martins dads
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Nickelodeon Universe, Center Ct, Bloomington, MN, USA
My dad is the reason I love rollercoasters! It was still Camp Snoopy then.
— with
Jeff and Molly
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2021, Palm Springs, CA, USA
This was my 28th birthday, the last birthday I got to spend with my parents
— with
Jeff Verla and Molly
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2015
My college graduation!
— with
Jeff Verla and Molly
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