KAUFFMAN, LaVern "Vern" 1944 - 2017

KAUFFMAN, OTDOERFER, SCHOOLCRAFT

Posted By: Pat Ludeke (email)
Date: 1/7/2018 at 22:58:06

LaVern “Vern” Kauffman, 73, of Mason City, died Tuesday, May 9, 2017, at the IOOF Home.

A funeral will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, May 13, 2017, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, 50401, with the Rev. Kathy Graves officiating. Burial will be in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 12, 2017, at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, IA 50401.

LaVern “Vern” Lloyd Kauffman was born Jan. 8, 1944, to Lloyd and Lydia (Otdoerfer) Kauffman in Oelwein, Iowa. After graduating from South Winn High School in 1962, he enlisted into the Army at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and honorably served his country. Vern was a mechanical diesel repairman during his service, working on large machinery and truck engines. Later in his service, Vern was transferred to Fort Wainwright, near Fairbanks, Alaska. Following 18 months of service in Alaska, he returned to Fort Leonard Wood.

When Vern returned home he began working at Gibbs Cook, and then at Ziegler Caterpillar where he worked as a mechanic for 40 years before his retirement.

On May 15, 1966, Vern married his loving wife of almost 51 years, Bernice Schoolcraft. To this union one son was born, Terry.

Vern was a hard worker. He enjoyed collecting newspaper articles, old cars, bingo, fishing and camping trips with his family, and talking with anyone. But most of all, Vern loved his family, loved his grandchildren and the time he was able to spend with them.

Vern is survived by his wife, Bernice, Mason City; a son Terry (Rhonda) Kauffman, Manly; and two grandchildren, Logan and Luke; as well as extended family and his many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Lydia.

Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapels, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, IA 50401. 641-423-3272, ColonialChapels.com.