Robert J. Kaufman

Bob was born on November 28, 1947 in St. Louis, the oldest child of Ollie and Peg Kaufman.

A blind date in 1966 introduced him to his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Janice (née Schmidt), whom he married on August 29, 1970.

He was the beloved father of Emily (Matt) Leong, and Angela (Austin) Bryant, and treasured grandfather of Jackson and Kevin. Dear brother of Janet (Dan) Hughes, Carole (Dan) Johnston, and brother-in-law to Margie Lechner and the late Bill Schmidt. Bob was a loving father-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, nephew, cousin, godfather and friend to many.

A brilliant organic chemist, Bob graduated with a BS in Chemistry from the University of Missouri in 1970, followed by a PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1974. Bob worked for Monsanto from 1974 to 1986, as Research Manager and Director of Plant Sciences. After leaving Monsanto, Bob was the Vice President of Research and Development for HemaGen/PFC, working on an artificial blood substitute. In the last 12 years of his career, Bob was a co-owner of Gateway Chemical Technology, a local custom organic synthesis lab.

Bob never knew a stranger. He made friends easily with his approachability, infectious laugh, and twinkling, if not slightly mischievous, smile. His joie de vivre was overwhelmingly large, and drew many people in.

A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, Bob was a 25 year member of the Midwest Trail Riders Association, and enjoyed both off-road dirt-biking with his friends and long, cross-country motorcycle trips on his touring cycle with Jan. A true renaissance man, Bob loved reading, skiing, hiking, fishing, and long visits with friends, sharing stories and laughter.

Above all, Bob cherished his family and spending time with them and sharing in their lives. Family was the absolute joy of his life.

There will be no services at this time; a celebration of life will be planned for 2021.

Flowers and contributions to the Saint Louis Zoo in Bob’s memory are both delightfully welcomed.