Willard Kaufmann
Willard H. Kaufmann, 96, of Bloomington died on Jan. 21 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.
His funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at Christ Lutheran Church, Normal, with Pastor Chris Hull and Pastor Jonathan Huehn officiating. Visitation will be from 9-10:00 a.m. prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Interment will be at Bethania Cemetery in Justice, Ill.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church in Normal. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington is assisting the family with arrangements.
Willard was born Aug. 10, 1918 in Chicago, to Charles and Helen (Oswald) Kaufmann. He was baptized Aug. 24, 1918 at home and confirmed at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Chicago, in 1932.
Willard married Minnie Becker on Sep. 11, 1943. She died April 3, 2002. He was also preceded in death by his son, the Rev. Philip Kaufmann, daughter-in-law Evie Kaufmann, his sister Ethel Heyse, his parents and stepmother Elizabeth Kaufmann and beloved Aunt Minnie Knuth.
Survivors include grandsons Timothy (Joy) Kaufmann and Rev. Martin (Amy) Kaufmann; beloved great-grandchildren Jonah, Hannah, Andrew, Katie, and Laura Kaufmann, and one niece Linda Highland.
Willard was a former member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Chicago. He served on the Board for Christian Education for many years at St. Andrew Lutheran School, the Church Council, Planning Committee, and various other committees. He was a long-time employee of Spiegel, Inc.
Willard enjoyed playing the keyboard, attending Sharing Joys Bible Class at Christ Lutheran Church, and playing dominoes and cards with friends.
Online condolences can be sent to the family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.
