Gerald (Jerry) Kaufmann of Carbondale

Gerald (Jerry) Kaufmann, 72, of Carbondale passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family Feb. 14, 2018, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale following a brief illness.

He was born Dec. 23, 1945, in Urbana to Alfred and Mildred Kaufmann.

Jerry was blessed with a large and loving family. He married his best friend, Debra Terneus, June 12, 1981, in Herrin. He helped raise four children with patience, discipline and humility. He taught everyone around him to see the beauty of the outdoors and to find happiness in the simple moments of life. He cherished quality time with his loving family and friends.

Jerry graduated from Buckley-Loda High School and came to Carbondale to attend SIU. He was later hired by the city of Carbondale, where he retired after more than 20 years. In 1987, he became co-owner of Mac-Weld Inc. in Carbondale, where he served southern Illinois as a welder. Jerry also spent many years growing crops and raising cattle. Jerry was happiest when he was on his John Deere tractor in the fields.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Debra; his children, Terril (Marilyn) Kaufmann of Carbondale, Tina (Len) Goetz of Jonesboro, Stephani (Larry) McCaughan of Carbondale and Greg (Emily) Kaufmann of Johnston City; grandchildren James (Frank) Eovaldi of Murphysboro, Tim (Brie) Imhoff of Murphysboro, Mallory (Ben) Wilson of Marion, Robin (Justin) Yancey of Carterville, Dana (Todd) Kellerman of Pinckneyville, Jacob McCaughan of Carbondale and Oak Kaufmann of Johnston City; eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Joan Hilse of California; a brother, Robert Kaufmann of Illinois; other relatives; and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services for Gerald (Jerry) Kaufmann will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18 at Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home with the Rev. Tommy Monroe officiating. Interment will follow at Pleasant Grove Memorial Park.

Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, the Alzheimer's Association and the American Cancer Society. They will be accepted at the funeral home.

To view the full obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit crainsonline.com.