In Memory of Donald "Don" Kauffman
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
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.”