Donald “Don” David Kaufmann entered the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Nov. 20, 2024, at 6:40 a.m. at Serenity Villa at Fairview Haven in Fairbury. He was 92.
Don was born in Cissna Park to Albert and Bertha (Feller) Kaufmann on January 19, 1932. He married Glady Steffen of Elgin, on Feb. 14, 1954, in Elgin. She preceded him in death. He is survived by five children: Nancy (Russell) Schwartz of Kissimmee, FL; Jim (Nancy) Kaufmann of Normal; Tal (Heidi) Kaufmann of Ballwin, MO; Valerie (Brian) Burcham of Bloomington; and Mark (Jennifer) Kaufmann of Traverse City, MI, along with 15 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters-in-law: Ruby Kaufmann and Phyllis Kaufmann, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by 8 brothers: Robert, William, Clyde, Calvin, Benjamin, Wilmer, Albert “Jun,” and Archie, and 7 sisters: Lydia Rocke, Laverne Kaufmann, Emily Eisenmann, Martha Rinkenberger, Margaret Kaufmann, Marcella “Sal” Markwalder, and Bertha “Tootie” Sinn.
As one of 16 children, Don, along with his siblings, attended Possum Trot School, later graduating from Cissna Park High School. Following graduation, he briefly worked at the community grocery store before moving to Chicago to work in a machine shop. A year later, Don returned to Cissna Park and worked as a carpenter before going to work for Alltel. Don and Glady raised their family in Cissna Park, where he served many years on the town council. “Uncle Don” was a Boy Scout leader for a number of years. He was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church, where he also served as a Sunday School teacher.
Upon moving to Normal in 1992, Don worked part-time for Charlie Knapp Builders. He and Glady spent part of each year in Ft. Myers, FL, where they enjoyed many good times with family and friends. He was a talented woodworker and enjoyed wood carving.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, Nov. 24th, at the Apostolic Christian Church in Bloomington, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Monday, Nov. 25th, at 10:00 a.m. at the Apostolic Christian Church in Bloomington, with visitation one hour preceding the service. Church ministers will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fairview Haven.
Knapp Funeral Homes in Cissna Park is handling the arrangements.
