Kauffman, Ralph Claude (1910-2004)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2005 Jan 17 p. 8

Birth date: 1910

text of obituary:

RALPH CLAUDE KAUFFMAN

Ralph Claude Kauffman, 94, of Freeman, S.D., died Nov. 15, 2004. He was born to Charles and Fannie (Schrag) Kauffman on a farm nine miles from Freeman.

From a one-room schoolhouse a mile from his home to Freeman Junior Academy, Bethel College, Colgate Rochester Divinity School and finally Yale University, his educational career evolved. He obtained a master of divinity degree and a doctorate in psychology of religion.

His professional career included teaching in a one-room schoolhouse, serving as professor and dean at Bethel College, and as assistant professor of psychology and assistant dean at the University of Arizona. He was adviser to foreign students at Bethel and adviser to premedical students in Arizona. In retirement, he worked as curator and developer of Heritage Hall Museum in Freeman.

Between 1944 and 1946, he provided alternative service as a conscientious objector with the Bengal Famine Relief Fund in India. He considered these years among the most fulfilling of his life.

He married Marion Lorenz in Rochester, N.Y., in 1937. After she died in 1985, he married Dorothy Preheim.

He enjoyed restoring washing machines, bicycles, motorcycles and many other mechanical items. Other hobbies included chess and checkers, violin playing with Marion on the piano, pool, hair cutting and listening to classical music. He was a contributor to many charities and causes. He was a member of Salem Mennonite Church of rural Freeman.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; two children, Bonnie Kauffman Hemry of Anchorage, Alaska, and Edward Charles Kauffman of Sedona, Ariz.; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marion; and siblings Lloyd Kauffman and Rose Kauffman Goering.

A memorial service was held at Salem Mennonite Church.