Fred Kaffenberger, an 80 year-old retired Marine and history teacher, died as he lived–wearing Revolutionary War garb and laying a Christmas wreath on the graves of military veterans.

A member of Sons of the American Revolution and true patriot, Kaffenberger wore his best Revolutionary War uniform when he traveled to Leavenworth National Cemetery with his wife and daughter. They were participating in Wreaths Across America on the fourth anniversary of his son-in-law’s death, and after laying hundreds of wreaths, Kaffenberger finally approached the grave he had saved for last.

But before he could place the wreath upon his son-in-law’s gave, Kaffenberger keeled over and died instantly.

“His final wreath he was getting ready to lay was my husband’s when he collapsed and was gone,” his daughter Amber DiGiovanni said.

Doctors have not figured out why Kaffenberger died so suddenly, but his family is comforted by the fact that he did so honoring military veterans and the United States.

“Wouldn’t we all wish to die the way we want to, doing what we love?” his wife Wanda Kaffenberger said.

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Kaffenberger devoted his life to history and the military. After retiring from the Marine Corps, he taught U.S. History and Civics at Kansas City public schools for 30 years. He also joined the Sons of the American Revolution after he discovered that his ancestors has fought for America’s freedom.

Semper Fi, Fred Kaffenberger.