Obit: Kauffman, Donald L. #2 (1922 - 2015)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Kauffman, Shupe, Steiger, Riedy, Roe

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 7/15/2015

Kauffman, Donald Lawrence (24 May 1922 - 26 May 2015) With Flag

Donald L. Kauffman, 93, passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2015, at Grace Edgewood Assisted Living Facility in Altoona, where he had been residing for the past 10 years.

Donald Lawrence Kauffman was originally from Loyal, born May 24, 1922, the son of Vernard and Elva (Shupe) Kauffman. When asked about his career, he always stated he was a “Military Man”. After graduation from Loyal High School in 1940, he entered into military service with the U. S. Army and was assigned to the 9th Armored Division, Combat Command B. He entered the European Theater of Operations shortly after D-Day in 1944 and was closely involved in combat operations that included the Battle of the Bulge and as a member of the first unit to cross the Rhine River into Germany. For these actions he received the Presidential Unit Citation. He remained in the U. S. Army of Occupation and was discharged from the service in 1946. He attended Whitewater State Teachers College (UW-Whitewater) for a few years and then returned to served in the U. S. Navy in 1952.

Don performed his initial Navy service in the pacific, serving on Johnston Island; Guam; Kwajalein; Atsugi, Japan and Yokosuka, Japan. He then served aboard the USS Henderson, USS Perkins, WSS Braine, USS Mullany, USS William Sieverling, USS Hanson and NCU-38.

After attending further cryptologic technician schools at NSA Washington, D.C. he went on to served the Naval Security Group Activities at Karamursel, Turkey; Bremerhaven, Germany; Zweibrucken, Germany; Edzell, Scotland; Key West, FL; Midway Island; Kami Seya, Japan; Sasebo, Japan and Northwest, VA. In 1970, after 20-plus years of military service, he retired from the U. S. Navy as a CTRC (Cryptologic Technician Radio Chief).

Military citations and awards included: Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, WWII American Campaign Medal, and the WWII European Theater Campaign Medal with three Battle Stars, WWII Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean War Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal.

After retirement from the military, Don moved to Madison, where he worked for the U. S. Post Office for several years before moving to Zephyrhills, Fl. His retirement allowed him to travel to many locations; most were near golf courses where he enjoyed his leisure time. He is credited with at least four hole-in-one games. He later lived at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King and the U. S. Naval Home in Gulfport, MS, before moving to Altoona in 2005.

Don was a lifelong member of the Loyal United Methodist Church and a life member of the American Legion Post 175 of Loyal and the Masonic Lodge F&AM#317 of Owen.

He is survived by his sister, Dorothy Steiger of Neillsville; two nephews, Keith (Betty) Steiger of Howards Grove and Dave Steiger of Neillsville; one niece, Debra (Jim) Riedy of Aurora, OH; three great nephews and two great nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Dale Kauffman; and his brother-in-law, Ervin Steiger.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 18, 2015, at the Loyal United Methodist Church in Loyal. Rev. Patsy Roe will officiate and burial of cremains will follow in the Loyal Cemetery. Military Rites will be conducted by the Loyal American Legion Post #175. Visitation will be held Saturday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.  Cuddie Funeral Home of Loyal is assisting the family with arrangements.