Howard Lee Kaufman, 95, died Friday, March 1, 2024 at Pine Village. He was born April 9, 1928, to Christian H. and Lydia (Flickner) Kaufman in rural Moundridge.
He attended Peaceful Grade School. He graduated from Moundridge High School in 1945. He commuted to Bethel College for a year and a half.
Howard attended Eden Mennonite and upon his confession of faith, was baptized in 1943. He served the church in a variety of ways as deacon, choir member and chair of the building committee for the current church dedicated in 1990.
On September 4, 1950, he married Neva Stucky at Eden Mennonite Church. For 73 and a half years, they raised a family, maintained a business, weathered many storms and celebrated even more accomplishments. Five children were blessed to be nurtured by Howard and Neva–James (Jim) Howard, Keith Allen, Bernice (Berni) Kay, Jeannie Marie and Larry Dean.
Upon their marriage, Howard went into partnership with his dad on the dairy farm. Howard and Neva eventually took over the farm. Howard spent much time volunteering with Mennonite Disaster Service, Mennonite Central Committee, Camp Mennoscah, Mennonite Biblical Seminary and Pine Village.
Howard also served on various boards–Mid Kansas Cooperative, Bethel College and the Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale.
Howard is survived by his wife, Neva, of the home. Children Jim, Berni and Larry (Cheri) all of Moundridge. Granddaughters Maria (Randall) Dreier of Newton, Rashell (Derick) Chastain of Moundridge. Great grandchildren, Mya, Shaelea, Mykah, Jesse, Tyjuan, Tyshawn, Persephone and Neliya. One brother, Del (Ann).
He was preceded in death by his parents, children Keith Allen and Jeannie Marie, one sister, Ethel Helmer and two brothers, Virgil and Leland.
Funeral services will be held at Eden Mennonite Church Tuesday, March 5, at 10:00 a.m. with the burial to follow. Friends may call from 3 to 5 p.m., Monday, March 4, at Moundridge Funeral Home with family greeting friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Camp Mennoscah, Mennonite Central Committee and Eden Mennonite Church in care of Moundridge Funeral Home, PO Box 410, Moundridge, KS 67107.