Donald C. Kaufman

Age 89, of Morris, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home in Morris on March 19, 2025.

Born on May 2, 1935, in Crescent City, Illinois, Donald was the son of Herman and Florence Marie (Prault) Kaufman. At an early age, his family moved to a farm in rural Watseka, where he developed a deep appreciation for agriculture and the values of hard work and perseverance. That same farm, which he later co-owned with his brother, was recognized as a Centennial Farm by the Illinois Department of Agriculture in 2019.

Don attended a one-room schoolhouse for elementary school and graduated from Crescent City High School with the Class of 1953. Maintaining lifelong friendships, he continued to meet with his classmates annually until the summer of 2024. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1957, where he was also a member of the Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC). Furthering his education, he later obtained a Master of Education in 1965 and a Certificate of Advanced Studies from Northern Illinois University in 1975.

During his time at the University of Illinois, Don met the love of his life, Audrey Marie Faletti, through the Newman Club. They were married on June 13, 1959, in Spring Valley, Illinois, and together they shared 61 years of love and devotion, raising seven children and creating a legacy of faith and family.

Don began his career as an educator, teaching Vocational Agriculture in Granville, Illinois, from 1957 to 1958. He then answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Air Force, where he served on active duty from 1958 to 1961. He remained in the Air Force Reserve until 1969, attaining the rank of Captain before his honorable discharge. His passion for teaching led him back to the classroom, first in Milledgeville, Illinois, and later in Morris, where he taught Vocational Agriculture, Science, and Cooperative Education at Morris High School.

In 1970, Don was appointed as the first Director of the Grundy Area Vocational Center, a role he held until his retirement in 1992. His leadership helped shape the future of career and technical education in the region, impacting countless students and preparing them for successful careers. Even after retirement, his service to the community continued. From 1992 to 2002, he served as Chairman of the Grundy County Board, advocating for economic growth and job creation. He later worked as the Project Coordinator for the School to Apprenticeship Program under Three Rivers Education for Employment System, ensuring that young people had the resources and opportunities to thrive.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Don was an active member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Morris, the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce, and the Grundy Economic Development Council, among many other civic and professional organizations. He worked tirelessly to improve career education, support local businesses, and implement policies that benefited the people of Grundy County. His unwavering dedication to service left a lasting impact on the community he loved.

While Don was deeply committed to his work, his greatest joy came from his family. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who cherished the time spent with his loved ones. Annual family vacations in Chetek, Wisconsin, became a treasured tradition, where he found happiness in fishing, enjoying nature, and creating lifelong memories with his children and grandchildren. He took pride in teaching each grandchild how to fish and ensuring they all had the opportunity to hunt with him in the woods.

Don will be remembered as a man of wisdom, kindness, and unwavering faith. He led by example, teaching those around him the importance of hard work, compassion, and dedication to family and community. His influence will be felt for generations to come, not only in the institutions he helped build but in the lives he touched. Though he is no longer physically with us, his legacy will endure through the lessons he taught, the love he gave, and the impact he made on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Don is survived by his children, Michelle (Rickie) Stewart of Morris, Karen (John Jr.) Zelko of Morris, Ann (Greg) Adkins of Roanoke, IL, Janet (Stephen) Severson of East Peoria, IL, Barbara (Gordon Tompkinson, Jr.) of Bolingbrook, IL, Phillip (Jennifer Gillett) Kaufman of College Station, TX, and Douglas (Elizabeth) Kaufman of Channahon, IL; 15 grandchildren, Paul, Brandon and Nathan Stewart, Jennifer, John III and Trent Zelko, Amber Brown, Alyssa Alt, Tyler, Alexander and Mitchell Severson, Gordon III and Caleb Tompkinson, Madison and Grant Kaufman; 13 great grandchildren and 5 bonus great grandchildren; one brother, Gail (Marie) Kaufman of Watseka; sisters-in-law: Rose Kaufman of Crescent City, IL, Sharon Faletti of Richland, WA, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Don was preceded in death by his wife Audrey in 2021; his parents Herman and Florence Marie (Prault) Kaufman; brother, Carl Kaufman; in-laws Vincent, Mary (Caveglia), Mathew, Fleurette, Vincent R., Betty, and Duane Faletti, and Delores Kaufman.

The family will receive friends for a visitation in the auditorium at First Christian Church, 455 W. Southmor Road in Morris on Thursday, March 27, 2025 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and again on Friday morning, March 28, 2025 in Don's home parish, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 600 East Jackson Street in Morris from 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral service 10:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Jason Stone presiding. 

Burial will follow in Mt. Carmel Catholic Cemetery Morris, where Don will be laid to rest with his late wife, Audrey.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Donald’s memory to Immaculate Conception Community Outreach, the Grundy Area Vocational Center for a scholarship to be established in Donald’s name, or to a charity of the donor’s choosing.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.FrulandFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Don’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland and Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Morris. (815-942-0700)