Kaufman, Orlo N. (1919-2005)

Newton Kansan obituary: 2005 Nov 7 p. 2

Birth date: 1919 Jan 8

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2005 Nov 28 p. 11

text of obituary:

ORLO N. KAUFMAN

Orlo N. Kaufman, 86, died Nov. 4, 2005, at Memorial Home in Moundridge, Kan. He was born Jan. 8, 1919, to Christian D. and Reina Wedel Kaufman in rural Moundridge, where he grew up.

He and his wife, Edna, went to Gulfport, Miss., in 1947 as directors of a Civilian Public Service camp and later spent more than 20 years, from 1952-75, in the Gulfport area working with Mennonite Voluntary Service in community development. From 1975-82, they were directors at Pine Lake Fellowship Camp in Meridian, Miss. He also served as a pastor in Paso Robles, Calif., and as assistant pastor at Eden Mennonite Church in Moundridge.

He enjoyed the out-of-doors and was innovative by nature. He designed and built a camping trailer used in several extended family vacations. His hobbies included woodworking, birdwatching and reading. He enjoyed table games and was a competitive opponent. When Edna's health began declining, he completed CNA training to increase his skills and faithfully cared for her until her death in 1998. As his memory weakened, he often said that Edna was his memory and he was her legs.

He maintained an accepting, cheerful and positive attitude even throughout his declining years. He lived a life of service and was a loving example to all.

Survivors include his children, Bonnie Graber and her husband, David, of Hardin, Mont., Frances Griffin and her husband, John, of Stillwater, Okla., Eugene and his wife, Cheryl Smith Kaufman, of Valley Center, and Robert and his wife, Krista Showalter Kaufman, of Kansas City; a brother, Tilmar Kaufman of Moundridge; a sister, Glennys Henry of Bluffton, Ohio; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna; and a sister, Elva Schrag.

Burial and services were held at Eden Mennonite Church of Moundridge.

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2005 Dec 5 p. 7

text of obituary:

Mississippi worker bridged racial divide

By Mennonite Weekly Review staff

MOUNDRIDGE, Kan. — Orlo N. Kaufman, whose service work in Gulfport, Miss., helped bridge tense racial gaps during the 1960s and '70s, died Nov. 4 at Memorial Home.

In 1947, Kaufman and his wife, Edna, went to Gulfport, Miss., where they directed Camp Landon, a Civilian Public Service camp. From 1952-75, they worked with Mennonite Voluntary Service in the Gulfport area, after which they directed Pine Lake Fellowship Camp at Meridian, Miss., until 1982.

"Orlo related to black friends as equals in an environment that relegated them to [being] second-class citizens," said Harold Regier of Newton, who spoke at a Nov. 9 memorial service at Eden Mennonite Church, where Kaufman had been an assistant pastor.

Regier recalled the height of tensions between Camp Landon and local Ku Klux Klan members, including a cross-burning and threats of bomb attacks. During a period when some Mennonites in the South were being criticized for segregationist views, Kaufman was known for his egalitarian approach to ministry and support for racial integration.

"He was an advocate for oppressed people, a people whose segregated schools were inferior whose jobs were largely limited to menial, lower-paying work, whose access to the beach, restaurants and even churches was denied," said Regier, who had worked with Kaufman in Mississippi. "He quietly, confidently and compassionately challenged oppressive structures and ministered to needs of oppressed people."

Survivors include his children, Bonnie Graber and her husband, David, of Hardin, Mont., Frances Griffin and her husband, John, of Stillwater, Okla., Eugene and his wife, Cheryl Smith Kaufman, of Valley Center, and Robert and his wife, Krista Showalter Kaufman of Kansas City, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna.