Dennis Kauffman

Dennis Andy Kauffman, age 66, of Fairview, passed away Wednesday, October 20, 2010, at St. Mary Hospital in Saginaw, MI.
Dennis was born on September 1, 1944 to Harry and Geneva Kauffman in Grayling, Michigan.  He married Carol on June 29, 1968 at the Fairview Mennonite Church.  The couple settled in Mio, where Dennis was extremely active in Oscoda County and community activities.  He worked as a farmer for all of his life, and also was a bus driver for Fairview Area Schools for 21 years.  He was a member of the Michigan Farm Bureau Committee; the Soil Conservation District of Oscoda County; the Michigan Agricultural Leadership Training Program; and the Oscoda County Economic Development Board.  He served as a County Commissioner from 1987-2009; serving as Chair for several years; was a past memberthe Fairview School Board; and was a member of the Michigan Association of County Board Members.  Dennis was also a liaison to the Oscoda County Landfill Board and was a member of the Oscoda County Airport Improvement Commission. He was a member of the Fairview Mennonite Church; serving as past Administrator of the Compassion Fund, and was active in the Annual Mennonite Relief Sale.  Dennis enjoyed refinishing antique furniture in his spare time.  He was an avid collector of John Deere model tractors and antique western novels and considered himself an amateur geologist. Dennis always lovingly remembered his ""School Bus Kids"" and loved spending quality time with his family.  Dennis was a kind and sensitive soul who loved and worked for the good of his county and his community all of his life.
Surviving are his loving wife of 42 years, Carol (Gerber) Kauffman; his 3 children:  Nicole (Brian) Brummel, Tara (Patrick) Mondro, and Chad (Johana) Kauffman; and 2 grandchildren:  Rebecca Brummel and Joshua Brummel; 8 siblings:  Regina Kauffman, Okie (Dorothy) Kauffman, Arlen Kauffman, Ferne (Roger) Egli, Loretta Troyer, Tom Kauffman, his twin sister Delta (Harold) Partlo and Elsie (Mick) Neorr, along with many nieces and nephews.   He was preceded in death by his parents:  Harry and Geneva Kauffman and his brother Wayne Kauffman.
Visitation Saturday, October 23, 2010 from 1-4 and from 6-9 PM at Lashley Funeral Home, Mio, and again from 1 PM until the time of funeral service at 2 PM  on Sunday, October 24, 2010 at the Fairview Mennonite Church with Pastors Eldon Krider and Virgil Hershberger officiating.  In accordance with his wishes, cremation will follow the funeral service.
Memorial donations may be made to The Fairview Mennonite Church Compassion Fund or to any community enrichment charity of the donor's choice.
Arrangements by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio.