Kaufman, Joseph P. (1881-1956)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Dec 13 p. 6

Birth date: 1881 Jun 20

text of obituary:

— Funeral services were conducted at the Eden Mennonite Church west of Moundridge on Monday afternoon for Joseph P. Kaufman, 75, who died unexpectedly at the farm home near Moundridge Saturday morning. Except for a few years' residence at North Newton, he was a lifelong resident of the Moundridge community. Surviving are his wife, Maria, and eight children. Two of the daughters, Mrs. Erwin C. Goering and Mrs. Arnold C. Wedel, live at North Newton.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Dec 20 p. 8

text of obituary:

JOSEPH P. KAUFMAN

Joseph P. Kaufman, son of Peter and Freni Strausz Kaufman, was born June 20, 1881, on a farm near Moundridge, Kansas. He attended the public school near his parental home.

On April 25, 1897, he was baptized upon confession of faith in Jesus Christ, by Elder J. B. Baer. He joined the Eden Mennonite Church where he remained a loyal member.

On Sept. 4, 1902, he was united in marriage to Maria Flickner, with whom he was priviledged [sic] to share the joys and sorrows of life for more than 54 years. They made their home on a farm near their parental home where they lived all but a few years. Some years ago they retired from the farm and moved to North Newton. His natural love for the country life prompted him to return to the farm home, where he enjoyed living close to nature and to God and doing farm work that he loved.

On Saturday, Dec. 8, 1956, he did his morning chores and ate breakfast as usual. After commenting about feeling chilled, he lay down to rest and shortly after 11:00 o'clock passed quietly on. Medical aid was summoned, but to no avail. He attained the age of 75 years, five months and 18 days.

He was a son of the soil, working hard to prove his stewardship on the farm. he was a strong advocate of education and provided each of his nine children with the opportunity of obtaining college training, giving liberally to educational causes throughout his life. he was very fond of children. The children loved to visit and sing with the grandparents.

The deceased leaves to mourn his departure his beloved wife, Maria; two sons, Roland and Allen Dale; six daughters, Bertha Schrag, Elma Goering, Edna Wedel, Linda Gican, Verna Goering, and Evelyn Goering; six sons-in-law and three daughters-in-law; 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; one brother, four brothers-in-law, six sisters-in-law, and a host of other relatives and friends. Three children preceded him in death, two in infancy and Reed at the age of 27.

His aim in life may well be expressed by the words of Carlyle, "Have a purpose in life and having it, throw into your work such strength of mind and muscle as God given you."