Merrill J. Kauffman

Merrill J. Kauffman, 70, of Goshen, died Friday morning, January 8, 2010 at Indiana University Hospital in Indianapolis, after an extended illness. He was born in Fairview, Michigan, on March 22, 1939 to the late Ira and Glada (Miller) Kauffman.  He married Shirley Stalter on August 10, 1963 in Elida, Ohio.  She survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Joy (Randy) Detweiler of Kokomo, Indiana; two sons, Kent Kauffman of Fairview, Michigan and Steve (Lisa) Kauffman of Harleysville, Pennsylvania; five grandchildren; three sisters, Polly Kauffman and Kathy (Wayne) Hochstedler, both of Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Bertha (Jim) Jacklitch of Atladena, California; and two brothers, Sanford (Linda) Kauffman of Crowne Point, Indiana and Sherm (Betty) Kauffman of Goshen. A member of Clinton Frame Mennonite Church, Mr. Kauffman moved to Goshen in 1996 from Florida where he had lived for ten years.  At Clinton Frame he was involved in the music program and at the Fairview Mennonite Church in Michigan he had been very involved in church music and had served as an elder.  Before his marriage he spent two years in PAX in Greece and Germany.  He enjoyed volunteering and helping in the community. His hobbies included woodworking of all kinds, gardening and other outside activities. He most recently worked as a finish carpenter for Schrock Homes in Goshen.  While living in Michigan he owned and operated Kauffman’s Carpet and Cleaning Service.  In Brooksville, Florida, he was maintenance director and then director of Lakewood Retreat. Friends may call 3 to 5 and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 12 at Clinton Frame Mennonite Church. An 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 13, 2010, funeral service will be held at Clinton Frame Mennonite Church, Goshen. Burial of cremains will take place at a later date in Clinton Frame Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Clinton Frame Mennonite Church or The Center for Cancer Care, Goshen.