Kauffman, Isaiah Franklin (1884-1961)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1961 Oct 12 p. 8

Birth date: 1884 Feb 3

text of obituary:

ISAIAH F. KAUFFMAN

Isaiah Franklin Kauffman was born in Emporia, Kansas on Feb. 3, 1884, the son of David J. and Barbara Guengerich Kauffman. He died in his sleep the morning of Sept. 18, 1961, aged 77 years, seven months, and 15 days.

On April 18, 1918 he was married to Stella M. Smith, who survives. To this union was born one daughter, Ellen Barbara, at home. He is also survived by the following brothers and sisters: Jacob D. of Kalona, Iowa, Jonas H. of Haven, Kansas, Mrs. Ida Smith of Sacramento, Calif., Mrs. Elizabeth Muller of Albany, Oregon, and Mrs. Lydia Nisley of Arthur, Ill. He was predeceased by these brothers and sisters: Samuel D., Pre. Daniel D. Christian J. Eliza Nissley, Susanna Schrock and Lucinda Yoder.

Born into an Amish family, he joined the Mennonite Church in his youth and was a faithful member until his death, having taught his Sunday school class the day before his passing. In early manhood he homesteaded in eastern Montana and assisted in organizing the Sunday school at the Red Top Congregation, Bloomfield, Mont.

After his marriage, he and his family migrated to Clarence Center, New York, where he again assisted in the early organization of the congregation there. His occupation was that of a carpenter, in which capacity he often served the churches of which he was a member.

In 1951 the family moved to Holsopple, Pa. where they resided at the time of his death. He served for several years as the maintenance man at the Johnstown Mennonite School until ill health forced him to resign. He enjoyed this work because of his continuing interest in young people, among whom he had many friends. A loving, kind husband and father, and a faithful Sunday school teacher for nearly 45 years, he will be missed in the home and the church until the day we will meet him "over there."

Funeral services were conducted Sept. 20 at the Stahl Mennonite Church in charge of Sanford G. Shetler, Melvin Nussbaum, and John A. Lehman. Burial was made in the church cemetery.