Kenneth L. Kauffman, 64, of Columbia City, passed away Sunday, July 19, 2015, at his home. Born on April 21, 1951, in Salem, Ohio, he was the son of Victor Kauffman and Dorothy (Detrow) Kauffman.

Growing up in Northeast Ohio, Ken graduated from Crestview High School before continuing on to nearby Youngstown State University where he studied Engineering as an undergrad. He would eventually earn a Master’s in Business Administration from Ball State University.

Ken spent many of his years in northern Indiana, working as a manufacturing engineer in Goshen and Warsaw but it was in Columbia City where he was married to Esther Gardner on Oct. 22, 1983. Together they wrote a love story which included four children to whom he was a dedicated, committed father.

Survivors include his wife of 32 years: Esther Kauffman, Columbia City; children: Karla (Zachary) Buchan; and Matt Kauffman, both of Fort Wayne; Nate (Morgan) Kauffman, Kendallville; Katea (Matt Atkins) Kauffman, Indianapolis; siblings: Robert Kauffman, Highland, Mich.; Louise (John) Moss, Houston, Texas; Jean (Bob) Owens, Monon; and five grandsons. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held in his honor at Emmanuel Community Church, Fort Wayne, with Pastor Robert Bruce officiating. Date and times are pending.

In lieu of flowers, his family has asked that memorial contributions be given in Ken’s name and directed toward his final expense account at DeMoney-Grimes funeral home.