Lloyd Charles Kauffman was born June 4,
1914, to Charles J. and Fannie (Schrag) Kauffman on a farm
12 miles southwest of Marion. Upon graduation from Freeman
High School, he completed a two-year normal course at
Freeman College, and taught in rural schools for five years.
At Freeman College, he met Myrtle Hanson. They were married
at Salem Mennonite Church on June 18, 1939. To this union
three sons were born.
In 1940, Lloyd's parents moved the family museum to Bethel
College in Newton, Kan., and became curators of the Kauffman
Museum, leaving the family farm for Lloyd to operate. For
the next 25 years Lloyd farmed, while assisting his father's
work in the Kauffman Museum. In Lloyd's spare time he
studied the Bible and other great literature. For many years
he taught Sunday school class in church. He was also an avid
motorcyclist and outstanding revolver marksman. Following in
his father's footsteps, he developed his own collection of
antique cars, motorcycles, and stationary engines. Among his
neighbors, Lloyd was known to be mechanically gifted. Almost
every day someone would enlist his help in repairing a car,
tractor or farm implement.
Upon the death of his wife in 1967, he dedicated his life to
the Lord, desiring to serve on a mission field. Two years
later, he married Esther (Nickel) Deckert who also had a
desire to serve on a mission field. In 1970 they were called
to serve at Mennonite Christian Hospital in Taiwan, where
Lloyd was director of the maintenance staff. After 10 years
of service, they returned to the United States and settled
in Marion to become active in the Bethesda Mennonite Church.
In the years that followed, Lloyd and Esther continued as
lay missionaries, seeking to tell of the joy of salvation in
Christ, and to help anyone in need.
In 1996, Esther passed away. As Lloyd's physical abilities
decreased, he turned increasingly to helping others through
prayer, having long lists of people and organizations for
whom he prayed daily. Lloyd passed away July 10, 2002.
Lloyd is survived by his brother, Ralph and by his children:
Charles and Betty Kaufman, Marshall, Minn., Garth and Sandy
Kauffman, Douglas, Wyo., and James and Joyce Kauffman,
Casper, Wyo; 10 grandchidren; and three
great-grand-children. In addition he is survived by Esther's
children: Geoffrey and Verda Deckert, Newton, Kan., Ross and
Sheila Deckert, Denver, Colo., and Jacqueline Weiss, Waukee,
Iowa; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
The funeral was held Saturday, July 13, at 2 p.m. at
Bethesda Mennonite Church with Pastor James Koller
officiating. Organist was Pauline Hofer with Ralph Langerock,
Al Nickel, Curt Schwartz, Ron Tschetter, Lonnie Waltner and
Harvey Hopf as pallbearers.
Interment was at Salem Mennonite Church Cemetery.
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