Patricia “Patty” Kay Cauffman

FENNIMORE – Patricia “Patty” Kay Cauffman, age 86, passed away on Sunday April 13, 2025, at home surrounded by her family. She was born on August 13, 1938, the daughter of Walter and Florence (Rech) Gratz. She graduated from Fennimore High School in 1956. On December 22, she married her high school sweetheart, David O. Cauffman, at St. Peter Lutheran Church. Patty and David shared 56 beautiful years of marriage before his passing in 2013.

A lifelong resident of the Stitzer and Fennimore communities, Patty dedicated her life to her family, her farm, and her community. Together with Dave, she worked tirelessly on their farm, embracing the hard work and reward of farm life. She loved the land and the lifestyle and was never afraid of a hard day’s work.

Patty was deeply involved in her community. She was a long-time member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Sunday School teacher and participated in the Ladies Kitchen Band. Her generosity and spirit extended into volunteer work as well; she donated time to the Doll and Toy Museum, was active on the Unity Tree Committee and Friends of the Library and was a member of the Red Hats.

She was passionate about agriculture and education, serving as a 4-H Leader, and volunteering at the Fennimore and Grant County Fairs, where she also served as a superintendent. She looked forward to helping with the 4-H Family Project Day each year and was also involved with the Fennimore Community Easter Egg Hunt. Patty spent many years working at CESA, where she found joy in helping others learn and grow. She and David were members of the Grant County Farm Bureau and FFA Alumni. In 2004, She was named the Fennimore Jr. Fair Person of the Year and, in 2006, she and David both received honorary State FFA degrees. That same year, they were recognized as the first Fun Fest Family of the Year.

Even in her later years, Patty found ways to contribute and connect. In 2014, at the age of 75, she earned her license as a childcare provider through correspondence, so she could support her daughters’ work in early childhood education. She especially loved fossils, many of which she discovered on the farm, and enjoyed sharing them with the children during her time as the Fennimore children’s librarian. Patty was a talented painter, creative crafter, and enjoyed gardening. Her love, warmth and dedication to her family and community will be deeply missed.

Patty is survived by her five children: Christy (Dave) Blackburn, Cindy (Terry) Arndt, Connie (Jeff) Jackson, David (Peggy) Cauffman, and Dan (Allison Tydrich) Cauffman; 14 grandchildren: Kimberly Blackburn, Levi (Stacy) Blackburn, Kayla (Josh) Ludwig, Adam (Lindsay) Jackson, Andy (Marissa Larry) Jackson, Samantha (Rick) Alesi, Holden (Amanda) Cauffman, Kaleb (Kylie Jo) Cauffman, Isabela Cauffman, Walter Cauffman, Natalie Tydrich, Glen Tydrich,  Ella Nickel, and Ivy Nickel; 22 great grandchildren; sister in law, Jean Gratz; many nieces and nephews; and the many others that knew her as “Grandma Patty”. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; granddaughter Vicki Arndt; brother Ron Gratz; and her mother and father in-law Lester and Emily Cauffman.