Ron Kauffman

Ronald Lee Kauffman, 80, of Gothenburg, NE, died October 9, 2018 in Bee Cave, TX.

He was born December 22, 1937 in Gothenburg, NE, son of John Conrad and Evelyn Ramona (Johnson) Kauffman.

Ron grew up in Gothenburg and graduated from Gothenburg High.  He then attended Kearney State College. Ron was a wastewater engineer upon retiring from Monroe Automotive in Cozad, NE and held various other jobs during his 35 years of employment there.  He retired in April of 2000 in preparation for becoming a grandpa.

Ron was married to and later divorced Jan Kauffman (Auld). They had two sons, Kelly and Brandon. The boys were Ron’s pride and joy, who would go on to give him 7 grandsons later in life.  He often mentioned how proud he was of each of his sons and each grandson.

In highschool, Ron belonged to a trumpet trio and they often played at community functions.  He was a member of the Gothenburg Evangelical Free Church. Ron was a big supporter of Gothenburg School Athletics and would travel just about anywhere to watch the Swedes play volleyball, basketball, football, track; you name it!  Ron also loved watching the Huskers, and traveled to Lincoln for as many football games as he could with his best friend Gerald Jobman. Ron loved spending time with his friends where they could often be found enjoying coffee at the various spots around town.  He also enjoyed eating out most meals and looked forward to his nightly supper with his dear friend Duane Siemering His other love was keno and playing scratch off tickets whenever possible. Ron also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons.

Surviving are son, Brandon (Katie Beth) Kauffman and their three boys, Carter, Ethan and Christian and son, Kelly (Alisha) Kauffman and their four boys, Noah, Presley, Keeton, and Maverick. Survivors also include first cousin (practically his sister) Shirley (Dave) Thorn and their daughter Kala (Kevin) Petry and numerous other cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, aunt and uncle Molly (Johnson) and Herbert Olson, sister-in-law Corrine Auld (Brosius), and brother-in-law Bob Auld.

Book signing will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2018, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, 620 Tenth Street, Gothenburg, NE.  Brandon and Kelly, as well as other family, will be attendance to celebrate Ron’s life. A family memorial service will be held in Austin, Texas at a later date.

To honor Ron's great love of Gothenburg's Athletics, the family requests memorials be given to the Gothenburg Athletic Department in lieu of flowers.