Jacob M. Kauffman was born Nov. 3, 1925, in Arcola, Illinois, the son of Henry J and Mary Ann (Stutzman) Kauffman. Jacob grew up in Illinois and Oklahoma until moving to Iowa in 1942. On July 25, 1944, Jacob was united in marriage to Jean Christner. They were blessed with nine children. Jacob was a lifelong farmer and shelled corn for 50 plus years, retiring in 1997. Jacob was a member of Upper Deer Creek church, where he taught Sunday school, the churches outreaches, vacation bible school and served as elder for 11 years. He also served on the IMS school board. Jacob knew how to work hard and wasn’t afraid of it. He enjoyed volunteering at the Crowded Closet, Prison Fellowship and Hospice. Jacob passed away Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, at Parkview Manor in Wellman at the age of 98.
Jacob is survived by five children: Joyce (Rick) Baron of Sahuarita, Arizona, John Kauffman of Wellman, Julia (Phil) Kauffman-Jantzi of Strasburg, Pennsylvania, Joannie (Jeff) Firkins of Iowa City and Jorge (Jenny) Kauffman of Lancaster, California; 23 grandchildren; numerous great and great-great grandchildren; and a sister: Clara Gingerich of Iowa City.
Jacob was preceded in death by his wife; three sons: Jeff, Jim and Jerry Kauffman; a daughter: Jan Miller; daughter-in-law: Mary Kauffman; his parents; three sisters: Martha Stutzman, Katie Ann Miller and Esther Borntrager; and three brothers: Levi, Joe, and Harvey Kauffman
A celebration of life service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, at Upper Deer Creek Church in rural Wellman. Burial will be at Upper Deer Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, at the Yoder-Powell Funeral Home in Kalona. A memorial fund has been established for Prison Ministry and Gospel Echo's. Messages may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com. Yoder-Powell Funeral Home in Kalona is caring for Jacob and his family.
