Jerome Vallee Kaufman

MOUNDRIDGE - Jerome Vallee Kaufman was born Oct. 28, 1938, at Halstead Hospital to Willard L. (Bill) Kaufman and Linda Flickner Kaufman. He grew up on the farm near Moundridge, which he later purchased and raised a family. Jerome attended Farm School grades 1 through 6. He moved to Moundridge in 7th grade and became a “town kid.” He attended Moundridge schools and graduated in 1956. Jerome was baptized at Eden Mennonite Church. He attended K-State and later Bethel College. He entered the army reserves in 1959. Later he was employed by his father’s business, Bill’s Rock and Lime. On Jan. 21, 1961, he married Bonnie Schroeder, daughter of Armin and Katherine Schroeder of American Falls, Idaho and later became a member of West Zion Mennonite Church. To this union was born Michael Jon, William Armin, Kathy Lynn, and Jeffrey Shane. In the 1970’s Jerome and his brother Darrell founded the business Kaufman Brothers. Later on, Jerome gained an interest in the Goering Hardware. In 1995, he joined with his son, Willie, the formation of the business Kaufman Trenching and Excavating. In addition to this, Jerome was a lifelong farmer and served as a board member of the Marion County Rural Water District #4. His interests included hunting, fishing, and a lifelong love of basketball. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren’s activities. Jerome spent his final year as a resident of Pine Village. He passed away Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015. Those who preceded him in death are his parents, W.L. and Linda Kaufman; son Jeffrey; grandson, Chad Michael; brother, Darrell Kaufman; brother-in-law, L.E. (Ed) Kaufmann. Survivors include: wife, Bonnie; sons, Michael (Connie) Kaufman of Moundridge, William (Ellen) Kaufman of Moundridge; daughter, Kathy (Randy) Preheim of Peabody; grandchildren, Tiffany (Justin) Regehr, Tyler Kaufman, Michelle Kaufman, Jennifer Kaufman, Jerod Kaufman, Daniel Kaufman, Kaitlyn Preheim, Zachary Preheim, and Nicholas Preheim; sister, Carol Kaufmann; sister-in-law, Margie Kaufman; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral arrangements will be made by Moundridge Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015, and Memorial Service will be at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015, at West Zion Mennonite Church. Graveside Service will be at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015, at West Zion Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Moundridge Historical Association or Pine Village of Moundridge, in care of Moundridge Funeral Home.

Jerome Vallee Kaufman

October 28, 1938 - October 22, 2015