Blaine J. Kaufman
Blaine J. Kaufman, 94, of Eau Galle, WI was taken to his heavenly home on Friday, August 26, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. Blaine was born on February 22, 1922 to Frank and Mayme (Meixner) Kaufman in Eau Galle, WI, where he grew up on the family farm with his five brothers and sisters. At age 18, Blaine enlisted in the United States Army/Air Force during WWII, where he served as an instructor in survival training for pilots at Echo Lake near Mt. Evans in Colorado. After the war, Blaine and his brothers worked the family farm for many years before Blaine went to college and received his degree in Engineering at UW Madison. Blaine taught for one year and then began work for the Wisconsin Highway Department, finishing his engineering career with the City of Eau Claire. During the years he worked as an engineer, his greatest joy was found in going back to Eau Galle to work on his family farm.
In his free time, Blaine enjoyed hunting and fishing, rides in the country, and going out to dinner; but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family. He was active in the American Legion, his church and his community. Blaine has a strong love of God and a strong love of family. For the past six years, Blaine lived in Eau Claire upon the insistence of his nieces and nephews who were very fond and protective of him. They wanted to keep him close so that they could spend more time with him. Blaine loved watching his sporting events, especially the Packers, Badgers and Brewers.
Blaine never married, but had a very special lady in his life, Jane Klatt (deceased), and now in his later years yet another wonderful lady, June Harrison. He spent a great deal of time with each of these ladies, taking them to events, on rides, out to dinner, and visiting the cabin on Tainter Lake.
Blaine was especially close with and survived by his many nieces and nephews. Charles (Jeanette) Brenner, Terry (Cindy) Brenner, Ronald (Ardyth) Brenner, Reginald (Cindy) Brenner, Robert Brenner, Linda (Bill) Brenner-Nelson, Mary (Tim) Ellifson, Mark (Annie) Brenner, Kathy (Brian) Plank, Frank Brenner, Michelle Valk, Michael Kaufman, Bradley Kaufman, Judy (Tom) Afdahl, and a sister-in-law, Jean (Kaufman) Hovde. He is also survived by many great nephews and nieces, and great, great nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his two brothers, Vaynard and Douglas; his three sisters, Belva (Charles) Brenner, Lynette, and Eileen; and his brother-in-law, Charles Brenner.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 30 at 11:00 am Tuesday August 30, 2016 at St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Eau Galle, WI with Rev. Jerry Hoeser officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery following the service, with Military Honors Provided by American Legion Post, 181, Durand, WI. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.
Lastly, our family wants to express our deep appreciation and thanks for the wonderful hospice nurses and in home care givers who continuously cared for and helped to keep our Uncle Blaine safe and comfortable. Your constant guidance and concern made a very difficult time easier for all of us. Thank you does not seem adequate.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Durand is serving the family.