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Kaufman, Edwin Jerome (1884-1944)
Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1944 May 11 p. 1
Birth date: 1884 Feb 22
text of obituary:
WELL KNOWN SOUTH DAKOTA DOCTOR CALLED AWAY IN DEATH
Freeman, S. C. — Funeral services were held here last week for Dr. E. J. Kaufman, widely known Mennonite doctor, who died unexpectedly in the Sioux Falls hospital. The services took place at the North church and were very largely attended.
Dr. Kaufman was fatally stricken when blood poison developed from an X-ray burn. The best of hospital attention and a specialist's care were unable to save his life.
He was born Feb. 22, 1884, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob P. Kaufman, and reached the age of 60 years. He was a graduate of Drake University and the University of Illinois Medical School, where he completed his training in 1906.
He has been practicing physician in Marion for many years.
Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1944 May 18 p. 3
text of obituary:
Marion, S. D. — A most useful and active life came to a close here when Dr. Edwin J. Kauffman [sic Kaufman] passed away Monday forenoon, May 1. The following is a brief sketch of his life and work:
Edwin Jerome Kauffman [sic Kaufman], the son of Jacob P. and Katherine Schrag Kauffman [sic Kaufman], was born on a farm Southwest of Marion, South Dakota, February 22, 1884. Here in a country school he began his education, finishing the eight grade and later continuing at Mitchell, South Dakota.
While attending school at Mitchell, he came home by bicycle for a visit. Later he returned to Mitchell the same way, leaving home with a cream check as the only money in his possession. He tried to cash this check at several places in the various towns on the way, in order that he might buy something to eat on the way but was refused because he was a stranger. Finally a kindly gentleman who too had refused to cash his check handed him a dollar with the remark that he looked like an honest boy. This incident made a deep impression on his character. In later years the Doctor often expressed regrets that he had failed to take this man's name so that he might express his never-forgotten [line duplicated in original] appreciation. However, he demonstrated his appreciation over and over by doing to others what this man had done to him.
Long before this time, he had decided upon the career of a physician, an aptitude which he showed from childhood. So from Mitchell he went to Chicago, Illinois to continue studying towards that ends.
After graduating from the University of Illinois with a degree of Doctor of Medicine, in 1906, he located at Scotland, South Dakota. Here he began the practice of medicine at the age of 22 years. Being small of stature, very young and a stranger in the community, he was often mistaken for the office boy instead of the doctor.
Shortly after locating at Scotland, a promising opening presented itself at Marion, South Dakota. Thereupon he moved from Scotland to Marion and continued his practice until his death, a period of 38 years.
What tremendous changes have taken place in his profession since those early horse and buggy days! X-ray, radium and so many of the present day practices unheard of. There were hardships. Readjustments were necessary. The docter [sic] was not left behind. He grew with his profession and his practice grew with him.
On June 27, 1907, he married Caroline P. Graber with whom he shared joys and sorrows for nearly 37 years. Theirs was a devoted married life.
He was a member of the Salem Zion Mennonite Church; but because of professional convenience he regularly attended services at the local Presbyterian Church, taking an active part n the Sunday school and other church activities.
To relax from the daily grind and strain of his profession, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. In recent years he equipped a workshop for the same purpose.
The doctor had a wide range of interests. He had been a member of the school board, of the town board and of the commercial club. He was doctor for the Chicago Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad continuously since he located at Marion. He was a member of the South Dakota State Medical Association and also the American Medical Association.
On April 24, last, the doctor went to the Sioux Valley Hospital for treatment for acute broncial [sic] pneumonia. This responded to treatment; but while at the hospital he had an attack of coronary thronbosis [sic] (heart ailment) complicated with acute nephritis (diseased kidneys) from which he died Monday forenoon, May 1, 1944, at the age of 60 years, 2 months and 9 days.
The deceased leaves to mourn his death, his devoted wife, his aged mother, one brother, four sisters and a He [sic] large host of relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, three brothers and two sisters.
His was a life of service. At the time of his death, he was the virtual head of four families; his own, the in-law, and Mrs. Freni Graber and the Mrs. Fanny Graber family.
By nature he was very active, determined, resourceful, sympathetic, frank and outspoken. he was a doctor, capable and considerate. His demise leaves vacant a large place among his friends and in the community.
The funeral services conducted by Rev. J. J. Regier, assited [sic] by Rev. Waltner, Rev. Schrag, Rev. Lemkeman and Rev. Claassen, took place in the Salem-Zion Mennoniie Church, May 3, 1944. interment took place in the Salem-Zion Cemetery.
The Mennonite obituary: 1944 May 30 p. 3
