In Memory of Donald "Don" Kauffman



Donald  "Don" Kauffman
Donald "Don" Kauffman
Born: December 13, 1931
Died: October 22, 2018
Age: 86
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Donald "Don" Kauffman
December 13, 1931 - October 22, 2018
From: Ida Grove, IA

Donald Glen Kauffman, age 86, of Ida Grove, Iowa passed away on Monday, October 22, 2018, at his residence of Ida Grove, Iowa.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 29, 2018, at the First United Methodist Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. Pastor Chad Lierman will officiate. Committal Services will take place at a later date in the Dow City Cemetery of Dow City, Iowa. A Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 29, 2018, at the First United Methodist Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. The Christensen -Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Donald “Don” Kauffman was born on December 13, 1931, in Parnell, IA (Iowa County),  to Frank and Erma (Fisher) Kauffman.  After Don’s father died in 1937, his family moved to Wellman, IA. He graduated from Wellman High School in 1950. Don went on to further his education at Iowa State College graduating in 1956. His college experience was interrupted by a two-year period in the U.S. Army, including serving overseas in Korea.

Upon graduation Don taught Vocational Agriculture in Dunlap and Grundy Center, IA. While in Dunlap he met his future life mate Wanda Andersen. They were married on March 31, 1957 in Dow City, IA. To this union two sons Jeffrey Dean and Craig Alan were born.

After leaving teaching, Don joined the Soil Conservation Service in Rocky Ford, CO. He also worked in Holly, CO and Council Bluffs, IA, before being promoted to District Conservationist in Ida County in 1968. He thoroughly enjoyed working with Ida County farmers in solving conservation problems until his retirement in January of 1994. While employed, he started planting Christmas trees on their acreage and upon retirement started Grandpa’s Christmas Tree Farm. Don and Wanda loved meeting and helping families celebrate a traditional Christmas for 14 years. Don loved trees and nature and was active in Trees Forever and was a Master Gardener. He was a charter member of the Ida Grove Ambulance squad for 18 years and an American Legion member. He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church.

Don is survived by his wife of 62 years Wanda Kauffman of Ida Grove, IA; sons Jeffrey Kauffman of Cambridge, WI and Craig Kauffman of Shawnee, KS; seven treasured grandchildren Lauren, Wade, Ian, Emma, Grace, Sarah, and Aynsley; three sisters-in-law; four brothers-in-law; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother; three sisters; parents-in-law; two sisters-in-law; and two brothers-in-law.

 

SERVICES

11:00 a.m., Monday
October 29, 2018
First United Methodist Church
Ida Grove, Iowa

OFFICIATING

Rev. Chad Lierman

CASKET BEARERS

Honorary Pallbearers
Wade Kauffman
Ian Kauffman
Lauren Kauffman
Emma Kauffman
Grace Kauffman
Sarah Kauffman
Aynsley Kauffman

VISITATION

9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Monday, October 29, 2018
First United Methodist Church
Ida Grove, Iowa

MUSIC

Geraldine Dankert, Organist
Darwin & Roger Walter, Vocalists

"On Eagle's Wings" - Duet
"In the Garden" - Congregational Hymn

INTERMENT

At A Later Date
Dow City Cemetery
Dow City, IA


Condolences


Monday, November 5, 2018 at 10:01 AM
“Wanda, Jeff and Craig and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers to you.”
- Valarie Wonder
Thursday, November 1, 2018 at 9:48 AM
“I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss seeing Don around town. He always had a smile on his face. ”
- Gloria Sykes
Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 9:19 PM
“We are sorry to here of the passing of Don. He was a great guy. Always enjoyed talking with him. Our sympathy to the family.”
- Jim & Susan Spotts
Monday, October 29, 2018 at 9:07 AM
“We are so sorry for your loss. I always looked forward to our talks whenever I came home to see my parents. He was truly the kindest person I have known and will certainly be missed.”
- Correy Lansink
Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 3:20 PM
“Dear Wanda and family,
One of my favorite memories is seeing Don at my door each fall with his arms full of seed catalogues for my third grade students to use in projects at school. He was always ready to help teach kids abouts plants and trees. He was a faithful steward of the earth. My sympathy to all of you.”
- Jennifer Glawe
Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 9:22 AM
“with deep sympathy for you loss of a wonderful husband and father”
- Cindy (Coalter) Clair
Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 9:22 AM
“I'm so sorry for the loss. Uncle Don was one of the kindest men I've ever known. I'm grateful he was my Uncle and I have so many happy memories. Our family sends our thoughts and prayers to Aunt Wanda, Craig and Jeff. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4) Uncle Don you will be missed!! Thank you for all the lives you touched. ”
- Rod Nuzum
Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 9:22 AM
“my sympathies and prayers to the family. i know you dont know me but every time i would go the rec center i would see Don and LeRoy and everytime i would say "Good morning Gentlemen" and i would get the biggest smile and they will say hi.. i already miss don and his smile. may God bless your family and many prayers to you all ”
- Tabitha Bockelman
Friday, October 26, 2018 at 9:39 AM
“So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Always enjoyed our visits about the old times & the Christmas Tree farm, The 2 of you were such a memorable part of our girl’s growing up. He will be missed. You have our heartfelt condolences Wanda.”
- Stephanie & Michael Konradi
Thursday, October 25, 2018 at 9:19 AM
“So sorry for your loss. Hoping you find comfort and peace in remembering all the good times and the many years you had with your husband/dad.”
- Mary Phillips Clough
Thursday, October 25, 2018 at 9:19 AM
“Hugs and prayers to you and the boys Wonda. Our hearts are heavy with you. Don was an amazing, sweet man and will be greatly missed by all. You both are family to us. Our kids think the world of you and Don. They looked forward to seeing you in church. You two were their grandparents in Ida Grove. We Love you always.”
- The Wheelers
Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at 11:14 AM
“Wanda, Craig & Jeff: So sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was a great man and will truly be missed by a lot of people. Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time.”
- Kim & Neil Schumacher
Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at 9:41 AM
“I am so sorry for your loss. Don was the sweetest person I knew. Hugs to all of you.”
- Carol Thomson
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