Gerald (Jerry) Kaufmann
Gerald (Jerry) Kaufmann, 72, of Carbondale, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Feb. 14, 2018, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale following a brief illness.
He was born on Dec. 23, 1945, in Urbana, the son of Alfred and Mildred Kaufmann.
He was blessed with a large and loving family. He married his best friend, Debra Terneus, on June 12, 1981, in Herrin. He helped raise four children with patience, discipline and humility. He taught everyone around him to see the beauty of the outdoors and to find happiness in the simple moments of life. He cherished quality time with his family and friends.
He graduated from Buckley-Loda High School and came to Carbondale to attend Southern Illinois University. He was later hired by the City of Carbondale, where he retired after over 20 years.
In 1987, he became co-owner of Mac-Weld Inc. in Carbondale, where he served Southern Illinois as a welder. He also spent many years growing crops and raising cattle. He was happiest when he was on his John Deere tractor in the fields.
He is survived by his wife, Debra; his children, Terril (Marilyn) Kaufmann of Carbondale, Tina (Len) Goetz of Jonesboro, Stephani (Larry) McCaughan of Carbondale and Greg (Emily) Kaufmann of Johnston City; grandchildren Jamie (Frank) Eovaldi of Murphysboro, Tim (Brie) Imhoff of Murphysboro, Mallory (Ben) Wilson of Marion, Robin (Justin) Yancey of Carterville, Dana (Todd) Kellerman of Pickneyville, Jacob McCaughan of Carbondale and Oak Kaufmann of Johnston City; eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Joan Hilse of California; a brother, Robert Kaufmann of Illinois; other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services for Gerald (Jerry) Kaufmann were Sunday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m. at Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home, with the Rev. Tommy Monroe officiating. Interment followed in Pleasant Grove Memorial Park.
Memorials can be made to the American Heart Association, the Alzheimer’s Association and the American Cancer Society.
To view the full obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.
Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.