Jean Kauffman

Kalona- Jean Kauffman was born March 27, 1924 near Iowa City, Iowa, the daughter of Gideon and Hester (Kusart Hochstedler) Christner. She grew up and lived in the Kalona, Wellman, Keota communities. On July 25, 1944 Jean was united in marriage to Jacob M. Kauffman rural Wellman. Jean was a member of the Upper Deer Creek Mennonite Church where she taught Sunday School, vacation bible school and active in the sewing circle. She volunteered at the Crowded Closet and Prison Fellowship. Jean passed away Monday, February 27, 2017 at Pleasantview Home in Kalona at the age of 92 years.

Jean is survived by her husband Jacob Kauffman of Kalona; 6 children: Joyce (Richard) Baron of Sahuarita, AZ, John (Barb) Kauffman of Wellman, IA; Jerry Kauffman of Kalona, IA, Julia (Dr. Phill) Jantzi of Strasburg, PA, Jo (Jeff) Firkins of Iowa City, IA, and Jorge (Jenny) Kauffman of Lancaster, CA; a daughter-in-law: Vicki Kauffman of Liberal, KA; son-in-law: Russell Miller of Kalona, IA; 17 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren; a brother: James (Darlene) Christner of Canton, GA and two sisters: Ada Hershberger of Rainy River Ontario, Canada and Anne Hoogenboom of Goshen, IN. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sons: Jeffrey Kauffman and James M. Kauffman, a daughter: Jan Miller, and daughter- in- law: Mary Kauffman and a brother: Willard Christner.

Celebration Of Life Service will be held 10:30 AM Friday, March 3, 2017 at Upper Deer Creek Mennonite Church. Pastor Elmer Miller will officiate. Burial will be in the Upper Deer Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, March 2, 2017 from 2-4 and 5-7 pm at Yoder-Powell Funeral Home in Kalona. A memorial fund has been established for Iowa City Hospice and Gospel Echoes. Yoder-Powell Funeral Home is caring for Jean and her family. Messages maybe sent to the family at www.powellfuneralhomes.com