Kenneth Lee Kauffman, 81, of West Liberty, Ohio, died on April 14, 2023. Ken was born on July 21, 1941, to David and Olive (Hartzler) Kauffman. On March 21, 1964, he married Erma F Rempel of Meade, Kansas. She died April 18, 1983. Ken married Jane Harshbarger of West Liberty, Ohio, on February 23, 1985.
Surviving children are Jerry (Roxanne) Kauffman, Julie (Paul Hunt) Kauffman. Surviving grandchildren are Matthew (Brianna) Kauffman, Christy Kauffman. Surviving brothers are Warren (Elma) Kauffman, Harold Kauffman; brother-in-law Lowell Detweiler; sister-in-law Irene Kauffman; sister-in-law Alona Kauffman. He was preceded in death by his brothers Dale Kauffman and Joe Kauffman and sister Ruth Detweiler.
After graduating from West Liberty High School, Ken went on harvest out west. He spent two years in 1-W Service at Brook Lane in Hagerstown, MD. In 1964 he returned home to take on the family farm.
Ken was a lifelong member of South Union Mennonite Church, fulfilling various roles. He approached life with integrity, kindness, generosity, and humor. He regarded his friends and neighbors as an extended family, and the many conversations he had with them are part of his life’s memories.
Being a farmer, Ken enjoyed his time outdoors. He also loved to travel and instilled that love in his children and grandchildren. He always looked forward to his next trip. His travels included many road trips out west, adventures to India and Switzerland, and yearly visits to the beaches of Siesta Key, FL. Wherever he was, he enjoyed getting to know the people around him.
For Ken, the perfect finish to the year’s harvest was celebrating a long weekend at a cabin with his family. He farmed until his last day.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at South Union Mennonite Church, 56 State Route 508 in West Liberty, where Pastor Matthew Williams will officiate a funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Meal, fellowship, and sharing time will follow, as well as a burial ceremony for immediate family in South Union Cemetery in West Liberty, Ohio.
Memorial contributions may be made, in Ken’s memory, to Mennonite Central Committee and mailed to MCC, P.O. Box 500, Akron, PA 17501 or online at donate.mcc.org/registry/Ken-Kauffman.
EICHHOLTZ DARING & SANFORD FUNERAL HOME, WEST LIBERTY is honored to serve the Kauffman family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.
