Harry Patrick Kauffman

“The star from Sparr now shines from afar…”  Harry Patrick Kauffman, 83 of Grayling passed away at home on Saturday, March 25, 2017 after an intense battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Harry was born on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1934 in Warren, MI, the son of Joseph and Margaret (VanDanabelle) Kauffman.  At about age three the family moved to Sparr where Harry attended school.  He went on to attend Johannesburg High School, where he enjoyed playing basketball.

Harry entered the U.S. Navy in 1951, serving in the Mediterranean.  After an honorable discharge he returned to Michigan.

In 1957 Harry moved to California where he worked in the sign business.  He went on to own Kauffman Sign Company, retiring in 1992.

After retiring, Harry enjoyed traveling around the United States, eventually making his way home to northern Michigan.  In 1996 he met his special lady friend, Jane Trenary, at Alpenfest.  Both natives of Sparr, they hit it off and have spent the last twenty one years together in Grayling, wintering in Yuma, AZ until he was diagnosed with his illness.

Harry was a member of the Moose Lodge, Fraternal Order of Elks, Eagles Lodge, AMVETS, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans.

Harry is survived by his lady friend, Jane Trenary of Grayling; his daughter, Kathy (Gary) Shann of Stillwater, OK; grandsons, Ian (Erika) Shann of Fayetteville, AR, Garrison (Amber) Shann of Perkins, OK and Zachary (Lauren) Shann of Salt Lake City, UT; and great grandchildren, Caedmon, Ethan and Kate.  He is also survived by his brother Lewis (Lucy) Kauffman of Swartz Creek; sisters, Rachel Mae Hubbard of Casco and Gloria Jean Kauffman of Belleville; a special niece, Kristi (Rick) Shed of San Diego, CA and many other nieces; his “bonus daughters”, Lisa (Dennis) Kreger of Gaylord and Nicole (Mike) Retz of Mason; and his “other grandkids”, Kaylee Kreger, Rachael and Thomas Retz.  Harry was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Harvey and Charlie Kauffman; and sisters, Beatrice Wellman and Rosemary Kauffman.

Harry’s life will be celebrated at the Grayling Eagles Club at 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 8, 2017.  Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Ausable Valley Animal Shelter or to the charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com