Jeffrey Kauffman

Jeff Kauffman, a man who enjoyed a soft summer breeze every bit as much as a heated debate over women’s rights, a passionate, curious, stubborn, little bit crunchy, true-to-himself son, brother, father, uncle, and loyal friend, died of natural causes in Cambridge, Wisconsin on September 8, 2025. He was 66.

Jeff was born in Dunlap, Iowa, on November 28, 1958, to Donald and Wanda (Andersen) Kauffman. He was joined in the family by his younger brother Craig. He spent most of his childhood in Ida Grove, growing up on Kauffman’s Christmas Tree Farm. Both parents were teachers, and Jeff soon learned about trees and conservation, and how to navigate the world without a map. He let his zest for life be his guide, and no matter where it took him, he was all in.

After graduating from Ida Grove High School, Jeff attended Des Moines Area Community College, then graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri, with a BA in agricultural economics and business. Known around campus for his trench coat and briefcase – we won’t guess what was in it -- people knew where to find the music and the fun.

After college, Jeff married Katherine Larsen, and they lived in Burlington, WI, later moving to Cambridge, WI, which became home to Jeff. Their first child, Ian, was born in Burlington, WI, in 1993, followed by Emma in 1996, and Aynsley in 2002, in Madison.

Jeff’s kids were his proudest accomplishment, and he loved them with deep admiration, joy and dedication.

Jeff’s love of nature and learning led him to work in manufacturing and technology. Eventually he was self-employed, since by nature that’s the only way he could thrive, as anyone who knew him will testify. As the managing director of Solution Technologies Inc. (STI) for over 30 years, Jeff developed custom sustainable filtration and separation equipment and systems for industrial processes such as waste stream and wastewater challenges. His large network of connections, his project profiles, and his passionate posts online about sustainability are testament to his success in the field. His Midwest travels were a highlight of his work life.

In fact, a “road trip” defined Jeff. He saw life as one big road trip, with music as the heartbeat. Travelin’ light, as his music hero JJ Cale called it, he considered himself a great driver, which is up for discussion by his passengers. He hung two shirts in the back seat, not a wrinkle in sight, and was ready to roll. His uniform, ever-present black jeans, Dri-FIT shirts and Keen hiking boots, did the trick. If the occasion called for a bit of dressing up, Jeff was ready with one of the dozens of plaid short-sleeve button downs he owned. His pocket was never without Carmex lip balm; he single-handedly kept that company in business.

His favorite destination was the historic Memorial Union Terrace at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, on the shores of Lake Mendota. Jeff treasured the beautiful sunsets he found there, sitting in the Terrace’s iconic sunburst chairs. He loved the people watching, engaging conversation, stellar live music, great food and brews he found there. Surrounded by other people and hearing their stories fueled his imagination and helped him feel connected to the world. He lived to share his life experiences with others. His goal was to create laughter, his own goofy, memorable laugh leading the charge.

Jeff’s chosen mode of communication was through music, though he always said the only thing he played was a record player. He sent songs for his kids to listen to regularly, insisting with his usual fervor, “You gotta listen to this! Check this out!” His taste was eclectic, ranging from Willie Nelson, John Coltrane, the Wood Brothers, Stevie Ray Vaughn, blues, folk, and rock. Live music was his passion. He was a regular at his favorite annual festivals, the Midwest Fire Fest, a celebration of art created with fire, heat, and smoke in Cambridge, WI, and the Fête de Marquette in Madison, which was a community celebration – his favorite kind – of French culture and live music on the city’s East Side.

Biking, cooking, celebrating -- whatever he did, Jeff was open to feeling the joy and finding light in the darkness, and sharing that light with those around him. Not a day went by without him finding something to cherish. For Jeff, life was an inspiring adventure, but he always found time to stop and pick the berries while biking on his beloved Camrock Trail.

Missing Jeff forever are his son, Ian (Katie) Kauffman of Minneapolis, MN; daughters, Emma Kauffman and Aynsley Kauffman of Madison, WI; brother, Craig (Robin) Kauffman of Kansas City, MO; nephew, Wade (Alex) Kauffman, of Bentonville, AK; and nieces, Lauren (Alex) Camunez of Dallas, TX, Sarah Kauffman and Grace Kauffman of Kansas City, MO; and other cherished relatives and lifelong friends.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Donald “Don” and Wanda Kauffman, and many other beloved relatives.

Jeff’s burial ceremony will be held at 11 am, Friday, October 17, 2025, Dow City Cemetery, 1838 Lincoln Hwy, Dow City, IA, and a Celebration of Life will follow at 12 pm, St. Patrick Parish Center, 312 S 3rd St, Dunlap, IA.

Please direct donations to the Kauffman family, and designations will be made by them to a cause related to Jeff’s love of biking and the outdoors.

I’m not perfect.

But I’ll always be real.

Tupac Shakur