John Kauffman

A celebration of life for John J. Kauffman, 72 of rural Iowa City will be held Sunday, September 2, 2012 at 2:00 PM at the East Union Mennonite Church with Pastor Jay Miiller officiating.  Burial will follow at the East Union Cemetery. Visitation will be held Saturday, September 1 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Peterseim Funeral Home in Kalona.  A memorial fund has been established for an IMS Scholarship Fund or Water For Life.  John Kauffman died Wednesday, August 29 at the University of Iowa Hospital from injuries suffered in an auto accident.

John Jay Kauffman was born January 3, 1940 in Iowa City, the son of Joseph N. and Wilma (Boller) Kauffman.  John was baptized in the East Union Mennonite Church in his youth and was a lifelong member, serving in a variety of capacities.  He graduated from Iowa Mennonite School and attended Hesston College.   John served in PAX in Paraguay, South America for three years as a mechanic.  On March 28, 1964 he was united in marriage to Loretta Miller at the East Union Mennonite Church.  He farmed in the area and was a dealer for Golden Harvest and Archer Oil Company, and was past part owner of Y & K Tiling and owned Kauffman Repair.  His most recent business was doing trenching and backhoe work in the community.  He enjoyed horses, traveling and spending time with his family.  John was known for his innovative ideas when it came to solving problems on the farm or other projects.  He had a "can do" attitude and always found a way to make things work.  He also spent many hours helping his girls with their 4-H projects when they were younger, and their home repair projects as adults.  On March 28, 2009 John suffered a stroke that left him dependent on care from Loretta.

Survivors include his wife Loretta of Iowa City, four daughters and spouses, Karleen (Dean) Uitermark of Story City, IA, Marina (Gene) Davis of Powell, WY, LaDonna (Steve) Abbott of Jones, OK, Jonette (Troy) Kemling of Grant, NE, 13 grandchildren, Hannah, Abigail, Samuel, Rebekah, Rodney, Desiree, Ree, Alyssa, Tyler, Ryan, Ashley, Emily and Nathan.  Also surviving is one brother, Nyle (Lauralee) Kauffman of Iowa City.

Preceding John in death were his parents.