Fennimore, WI-David Oakley Cauffman, age 75 passed away peacefully at his residence surrounded by his loving family on Sunday March 10, 2013 following his battle with cancer. David was born on Oct. 30, 1937 in Little Grant Township Grant Co., WI the son of Lester & Emily (Leighton) Cauffman. He was united in marriage to his high school sweet heart Patricia “Patty” Gratz on Dec. 22, 1956 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Fennimore
David graduated from Fennimore High School in 1956. David was actively involved in the FFA, a Charter Member of the FFA Alumni, Fennimore Junior Fair, Fennimore Rural Fire Board, Mt. Ida Town Board, 4-H, and Farm Bureau for many years. David was very proud of being involved in establishing the Vocational Agriculture Scholarship. He also was an active member of the St. Peter Lutheran Church were he also served on the church board.
David was full of love for his wife, five children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Caring for his livestock, operating machinery, and tending the land were not only his passion, but also his life. David believed in making the world a better place through hard work and dedication to his family and community. His farm is where his seeds where planted and his family will continue to grow.
David is survived by his loving wife; Patty of Fennimore, five children; Christy (Dave) Blackburn, Cindy (Terry) Arndt, Connie (Jeff) Jackson, David Jr. (Peggy) Cauffman, and Dan (special friend, Stephanie Henry) Cauffman, all of Fennimore; 10 grandchildren; Kimberly Blackburn of Chicago, IL, Levi (Stacy) Blackburn of Prairie du Chien, Kayla (Josh) Ludwig of Chicago, IL, Adam (Lindsey) Jackson, Andy (Suzie) Jackson, Samantha (special friend Rick Alesi) Jackson, David “Holden” Cauffman, Kaleb Cauffman, Isabela Cauffman, and Walter Cauffman, all of Fennimore, and 8 great grandchildren. He is also survived by six siblings; Donna Martinez of Milwaukee, Jack (Joann) Cauffman of Lancaster, Robert (Margaret) Cauffman of Eastman, Lester (Kathy) Cauffman of Prairie du Chien, Tim (special friend Robin Cordts) Cauffman of Fennimore, Sandy (Jeff) Davis of Fennimore, brother-in-law Ron (Jean) Gratz of Livingston, TX along with many special nieces and nephews.
David was preceded in death by his parents, father & mother-in-law Walter and Florence Gratz, granddaughter Vicki Arndt, nephew Ed Gratz, and a brother George Cauffman, and a brother-in-law Rudy Martinez
Funeral service to celebrate David’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday March 14, 2013 at the St. Peter Lutheran Church in Fennimore with burial to follow in the Prairie Cemetery in Fennimore. Friends may call from 4-8:00 P.M. on Wednesday March 13, 2013 at the Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore and from 10:00 A.M. until time of service at the church on Thursday morning. In lieu of plants & flowers a memorial fund is being established in loving memory of David Oakley Cauffman.