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John Tafel Obituary
Louisville - Age 87, died at home in Mountain Lake, FL, March 24, 2018. A native of Louisville, KY, he was born on May 3, 1930 to the late Paul and Mary (Doherty) Tafel. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael, and his siblings Paul Tafel, Jr, Elizabeth (Tafel) Steele and Mary Doherty (Tafel) Barnum as well as his first wife, Ann Cummins Tafel, the mother of his children.
He is survived by his children, Sara Foerster (Tom) of Louisville, Dr. John Tafel of Plano, TX., and Dr. Allen Tafel (Lisa) of Ft. Myers, FL., a sister, Patricia Tafel Kirchdoerfer, and brother, William D. Tafel Sr.
Mr. Tafel graduated from St. Xavier High School in Louisville where he played football for the Tigers, receiving an All-State honorable mention at the end position and later graduated from the University of Notre Dame.
He served two years in the United States Navy during the Korean War achieving the rank of Lieutenant.
Mr. Tafel founded Tafel Motors in 1958 in downtown Louisville, later relocating the dealership to St. Matthews, KY. The dealership was the first Volvo dealership in Louisville and later was awarded the Mercedes-Benz franchise.
He served several terms as Chairman of the Board of Jefferson Alcohol & Drug Abuse Center (JADAC) and was on the Board of Directors of Seven Counties Services. In addition, he was an active member in various trade organizations and clubs associated with the auto industry.
As a young man he always enjoyed auto racing, boats and later, flying, earning his pilot's license. One of his greatest pleasures was soaring in sailplanes.
Memorial Service will be 10 AM Saturday at Pearson's 149 Breckenridge Lane. Visitation 4-7 PM Friday. Private burial at a later date.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Tafel Family Scholarship at St. Xavier High School, Maryhurst School or the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Tafel
Sponsored by The Courier-Journal.
Michael John Andrews Tafel
February 15, 2025
My Dad tirelessly devoted himself to his Wives and Children. He took our family on trips, including Naples, Florida and Leland Michigan. He and June C Miller went as far as the Amazon River together. Along with his wife Ann Cummins Tafel, Dick and Marla Grote: He made it possible for each of his children to go through the College and University of their choice. I do believe in God the Almighty and pray for him ceaselessly,
William Tefel
March 23, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
my condolences to my relatives Tafel
William Tefel
November 18, 2018
Bob Moore
October 20, 2018
Holidays at 3020 Poppy Way will never see their equal. The Cummins sisters married an interesting group of men, who I had the pleasure of calling uncle. God's speed Uncle Jack, Jack Moore remains the last of the group standing. Our deepest sympathy to all the Tafel family.Bob Moore
March 31, 2018
Ruth Tafel of Stuttgart/Germany has many fond memories of Jack and Ann
kristin
March 31, 2018
You are not alone during this time of sorrow and pain. May God give your family strength and comfort to help you endure this loss. As you remember your beloved one, may the God of peace give you comfort and peace in every way. May you find Strength from the love and care that surrounds you and comfort in the memories that you shared. Please accept my sincere condolences. IS 41:10
March 29, 2018
Nancy Hoyt, long time friend and neighbor.
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