Pat Kauffman 1942-2022
Patricia Sue Kauffman of Lolo, Mont., passed away at home surrounded by family on Saturday morning, Feb. 26, 2022.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Ted Allen Kauffman; her children Christie (Scott) Dalton, Michael (Janet) Kauffman and Dana (Dave) Elvin; grandchildren Alissa Kauffman, Shane Kauffman, River Dalton and Aidan Mirick; and a sister, Shirley Kreipe. She is preceded in death by her parents Edwin Harold and Anna Grace Bareiss.
Pat was born May 23, 1942, in Holton. She grew up on the family farm with her sister Shirley, where they enjoyed extensive horseback riding.
She graduated from Circleville High School, followed by Clark’s School of Business in Topeka. She married her high school sweetheart on Feb. 4, 1961 in Holton. They spent the first nine years of their marriage in Wichita, where all three of their children were born. Due to Ted’s career with Santa Fe Railway, they had the opportunity to live all over the Midwest and West, before retiring in Albuquerque, N.M.
Pat worked for State Farm and Allstate insurance agents prior to retiring in 2002. They subsequently moved to Lolo in 2013 to be more centrally located among their children.
Pat’s faith in Jesus was a defining characteristic of her life, and she did her best to allow that faith to shine through to everyone she came in contact with. She always had a smile and a kind word for those around her and was readily willing to assist those in need.
Music was one of her great loves and she sang in the church choir every Sunday, in addition to singing in Gospel Heirs (Albuquerque) and Treasure State Chorale (Missoula). She also loved to play the piano and attend concerts.
Pat was an avid tennis player, playing singles and doubles matches on the USTA circuit for many years. She and Ted attended multiple Grand Slam tournaments.
Pat and Ted enjoyed traveling and made many trips to various places around the world, often connected with a cruise. They also enjoyed hiking numerous trails around the Bitterroot Valley with their dogs Maya and Scout.
Pat was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2018. To the very end, she refused to allow her diagnosis to define who she was or allow it to control her life. She continued to pursue the activities she loved until just days before her passing.
A memorial service is planned for 4 p.m. Friday, March 11 at Florence Carlton Community Church, Florence, Mont. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed. Please check the Garden City Funeral Home obituary page for a link closer to the service date.
The family is being served by the Garden City Funeral Home and Crematory, Missoula, Mont.
(PAID OBITUARY)
