John Edwin “Baldy” Kauffman Jr., age 90, died on Friday April 3, 2015 at the VA Medical Center in Madison. John was born on August 30, 1924 in Millville, IA the son of John Sr. and Opal (Miller) Kauffman.
Baldy was a WWII Army veteran serving from Feb. 14, 1946 – Aug. 12, 1947 where he earned the rank of Staff Sergeant in the 11th Airborne Division. He was a bull rider in the rodeo circuit and entertained with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. He was a member of the carpenter’s union and worked for John Deere. He was a 43-year member of the Fennimore American Legion Post #184 and a member of the Fennimore United Methodist Church. Baldy enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. He was a kind, caring man who will be missed by all.
John is survived by his two sons; Richard Kauffman of Waukesha, and Kevin Kauffman of Phoenix, AZ, granddaughter Angela (Willie) Williams of Phoenix, AZ, three great-grandchildren, and a great-great grandson. He is further survived by his brothers Kenneth Kauffman of Fennimore, and Stanley (Kay) Kauffman of Lancaster, his sister Judith Evans of Texas, several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
John was preceded in death by his parents, his wives Carol (Ley) Kauffman and Marie (Maas) Kauffman, his son Gregory, brothers Donald and Russell, sister-in-law Annabelle Kauffman, and several others relatives.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday April 9, 2015 at the Fennimore United Methodist Church. Burial with military honors will follow in the Hillside Cemetery in Lancaster. Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church on Thursday morning.