(Archbold Resident)
Zelma Irene Stamm Kauffman, Archbold, Ohio, went home to be with her Lord and Savior January 24, 2024 three days before her 101st birthday. She was admitted to Defiance Area Impatient Hospice Center on January 22.
Zelma Irene Stamm was born January 27, 1923 to Gustav and Pricilla (Stuckey) Stamm. She grew up in an active and happy family with nine brothers and sisters.
Zelma married Morris Kauffman on June 6, 1944. God blessed them with four sons, James, Dwight, Randall and Neal. Zelma and Morris provided a loving Christian home and exemplified the importance of faith in Christ.
They also taught their sons a strong work ethic as together they raised thousands of chickens and turkeys.
Many happy family memories of four active boys were always cherished and created family reunions full of lots of reminiscing, love, and laughter.
Zelma was baptized in her teens at Lockport Mennonite Church, Stryker, Ohio and was an active member there all her life.
She began teaching Sunday School class at age 16 and at age 90 said she would no longer be a full-time teacher – however, still continued to be a substitute teacher.
She was active in the Bible Memory Program which led to all four of her boys memorizing 300 Bible verses. She and Morris were MYF sponsors for many years.
She also was very active in Mennonite Women throughout her whole life. She also read scripture and gave many memorable speeches well into her nineties.
Zelma was known for her beautiful, low alto voice. She remembered singing with her sisters at reunions since early childhood. She sang in the church choir and was a part of the Voice of Life Quartet for 21 years. She and Morris sang with the Gospel Nutones for over 21 years.
At the age of 65, she began singing with The Country Pals and continued for 27 years. She, along with Merle Wyse, sang every Friday in the chapel at Fairlawn Haven for 18 years until one month before her 90th birthday when she asked to be replaced.
Zelma will also be remembered for her card and letter ministry, gardening skills, beautiful geraniums, delicious chocolate candy, party mix and wonderful cooking.
After growing up in a large family, raising four growing boys and then working in food service for 12 years following the death of Morris, she never did learn how to make food in small amounts!
Zelma became a widow at the age of 55 when she lost her soul mate, Morris, from a heart attack at age 60. Her heart also was broken when her first son, Jim suffered with pancreatic cancer and passed away at the age of 58.
Family was very important to Zelma. As her sons matured and married, she welcomed her daughters-in-law as her own. She loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren unconditionally and made each of them feel very special.
She remembered each one on their birthdays and anniversaries with a beautiful card, money, and an interesting, informative letter.
She also was a diligent prayer warrior and prayed for her family and people all around the world during her hour morning devotional time.
Zelma will be missed by her daughter-in-law Connie Kauffman Bosler and husband Lynn, Sarasota, Florida, her sons and daughters-in-law, Dwight and Carolyn Kauffman, Goshen, Indiana, Randy, and Becky Kauffman, Archbold, Ohio and Neal and Roxanne Kauffman, Elwood, Illinois. She also leaves many special, unforgettable memories for her eleven grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren. Also surviving is her brother, Duane Stamm, Fayette, Ohio.
Zelma was preceded in death by her husband Morris, her oldest son, James, and her great-grandson Judah Morris. Also preceding her in death were her parents, Gustav and Pricilla Stamm and siblings Beulah Stockburger, Irma Short, Wilma Roth, Paul Stamm, Harold Stamm, Geneva Shetler, Grace Eicher and Denver Stamm.
A memorial service will be held on February 3, 2024 at 3:00 PM at Lockport Mennonite Church, Stryker Ohio. Pastors Matt Weaver and Gary Stuckey will officiate. Burial will be in the Lockport Cemetery. Friends may call from 1-3 PM at the church prior to the service.
Memorials can be given to Fairlawn Haven or Gideons International. Short Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
