Kaufman, Donald P. (1920-2007)

KAUFMAN, ROESER, HALVORSON, BUTLER, BOCKHOLT

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 3/4/2008 at 11:58:42

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, November 5, 2007

Donald P. Kaufmann, 86, of Sioux City died Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2007, in Sioux City following a brief illness.

Donald was born Nov. 18, 1920, in Le Mars, the son of Bernard M. and Dora M. (Roeser) Kaufmann. In the early 1930s, Donald's family moved to Brunsville. After spending three years in the hospital for osteomylitis in Le Mars and at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Donald returned to the Le Mars area after much courage and determination to graduate from high school in 1942. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II in Richmond, Calif., as a chief boatswain's mate and Coast Guard police through the duration of the war.

Donald had been married to Angela Halvorson in Luverne, Minn., having one daughter who he raised. Donald always said, "It was the best job I ever did. Anyone can be a father, but it takes a special man to be a dad." He lived in Minneapolis at that time and then moved to Sioux City in the mid-1950s and had made Sioux City his home ever since. While living in Minneapolis, Don worked for Ideal Drug. When he relocated to Sioux City, he worked at Woolco Department Store and at Toller Drug as a druggist.

He enjoyed playing cards, especially poker. He was also a sports enthusiast and a history buff. What he enjoyed the most was "shootin' the breeze" over lunch and going on drives with his daughter.

Survivors include a daughter, Doretta Butler and her husband, Dennis of Jefferson, S.D.; a grandson, Nathan Bockholt and his wife, Abby of Sioux Falls, S.D.; and a great-granddaughter, Claire Bockholt.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Russell Kaufmann.

Memorial services will be 7 p.m. Wednesday at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel, with Neil Peck C.L.S. officiating. Following Don's wishes, his body has been cremated.

Memorials may be made in his name to Siouxland Aging Services Inc., 2301 Pierce St., Sioux City, IA 51104.