(1964 Graduate Of Pettisville High School)
Donald Lee Kauffman, of Los Fresnos, Texas, and Arlington, Nebraska, passed away on Feb. 25, 2026, in Houston, Texas, of complications from aortic aneurysm surgery.
Don was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and hardworking tradesman.
Born June 5, 1945, in Wauseon, Ohio, to Orval and Cora (Short) Kauffman, Don had three siblings: Glenn (Mabel Ann) Kauffman, Evelyn (Larry) Rychener, and Mary (Ron) Short.
Don graduated from Pettisville High School in 1964. In October 1968, he married Janet (Rea) Kauffman, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage, splitting time between Nebraska and the Rio Grande Valley in Texas.
Together, they have two daughters: Julie (Chad) Stamper of Ames, Iowa, and Natalie (Craig) Baumhover of Omaha, Nebraska. He was a grandfather to five grandchildren: Ellie (Conner) Cordts of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin; Jackson (Marguerite) Stamper of Kansas City, Missouri; Grant (Lydia) Baumhover of Omaha, Nebraska; Aubree Baumhover, of Omaha, Nebraska; and Eva Stamper of Iowa City, Iowa.
Don worked for 30 years as a union bricklayer, primarily with Seedorf Masonry, and much of his work can be seen in the Omaha and Fremont communities in Henry Doorly Zoo, St. Patrick’s Church, the Woodcliff Corral, and more.
He and Janet also owned and operated the Woodcliff Corral restaurant in Fremont, Nebraska, farmed grapefruit in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, and raised exotic birds and various livestock.
Known for his strong work ethic and active lifestyle, Don believed in lifelong learning and often said that staying curious kept the mind sharp. He was a devoted Nebraska Cornhuskers fan and took pride in his daughters’ careers at John Deere and Hyatt Hotels and Resorts.
Don will be remembered for his dedication to friends and family and his steady commitment to learning and hard work. A family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.