Robert Lee Kauffman

Robert (Bob) Kauffman, age 89, of Lake Odessa, was called to his heavenly home on Friday night, November 29, 2024. He passed peacefully at his beloved family farm and joyfully reunited with his beautiful bride of 69 years, Rosemary Kauffman.

Born on March 4, 1935, to Roy and Stella Kauffman in Clarksville, Michigan, Bob spent most of his life there until moving to the farm on Bliss Road in 1971. He met his soulmate, Rosemary, as children when he would playfully tease her and her sister Pat alongside his brother, Roger. Those lighthearted moments blossomed into a deep and lasting love, leading them to marry on May 7, 1954. Their love story spanned nearly seven decades, filled with cherished moments and loyal devotion. Bob often expressed how blessed he felt to have Rosemary by his side; they were rarely apart in their later years.

A man of deep faith, Bob dedicated much of his life to Clarksville Bible Church, where he served in various roles and found great joy in greeting others. His warm smile and genuine interest in people made him a beloved figure in the community.

Bob worked for 30 years at General Motors in Grand Rapids before retiring to pursue his true passion—farming. His resourcefulness and creativity shone through in his work on the farm, where he was known for his hard work and dedication to provide for his family. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed sports, especially football and basketball in his younger days. His cherished family vacations were in Colorado, where he found joy in hiking and appreciating God's creation.

In his later years, Bob found immense joy in playing euchre and visiting with friends and family. Who knew that a deck of large print cards gifted last Christmas could bring him so much happiness? He played almost every night with Shane and Shannon, and they often welcomed friends to join in the fun. Bob was competitive and loved to win, often teasing others with a twinkle in his eye whenever he did, and bringing laughter and lightness to every game. Over the last months, it has been a sheer joy for his family to get to know him on a deeper level, learning about his childhood, school days, and all the places he had lived.

Bob is survived by his five children: Robin Kauffman, Becky (Jeff) Eckstrom, Lee (Melissa) Kauffman, Ron (Dawn) Kauffman, and Shane (Shannon) Hughes. He was a proud grandfather to Jason (Robyn) Kauffman, Samantha Boucher (Levon Stoecker), Ronald (Danielle) Kauffman, and Cassandra Kauffman (Jordan Pfeifer), and a loving great-grandfather to Ella, Kora, Kade Boucher, Avalynne Kauffman, Justin and Austin Sal, Jaise Pfeifer, Brinley and Timothy Haney, and Victoria Rose Pfeifer. He is also survived by his cherished sisters, Ruth Ann (Ernie) Newman and Julie Benschoter, along with many nieces and nephews.

We invite you to join us in celebrating Bob's life on Friday, December 13. Visitation will be at 10:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 am at Koops Funeral Chapel in Lake Odessa.

Bob’s legacy of love, faith, and kindness will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be missed dearly by all of us.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the:

Saranac Clarksville District Library

165 N Main St

Clarksville, MI 48815

Attention Alex Larson

*If you send your donation directly to the library, please include that it’s in memory of Robert Kauffman. We started this when mom passed away and would like to continue to build the children’s library in their memory.