Sam Kaufman, age 83, went peacefully to be with his Lord on February 7, 2023. He was born on April 2, 1939, in Millersburg, Ohio, to parents John and Susan Schlabach Kaufman. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Alma, Leo, Clara, and Allen. He is survived by his wife Joan (nee Schertz), children Keri Weaver (Charlie), Chad Kaufman (Cindy), and Brett Kaufman (Lori), siblings Fran Gerber (Bob), Ada Enzen, and Mary Schwartz (Larry), sisters-in-law Ada and Mary Ellen Kaufman, eleven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
After growing up in the Amish community, Sam decided to pursue a college education. He first attended Goshen College where he earned a BS and then George Washington University where he earned his MD. Sam served as an Internist for 23 years in Mansfield. While Sam was skilled in medicine and patient care, remembering names was a challenge! He was often recognized locally as the “Amish Doctor.” It was common for Sam to be out with his family and be greeted by a patient or former patient. His children would then ask him, “Do you know that person?” Sam’s response was often, “I must.” Following retirement from medicine, Sam pursued a different interest and became a Certified Financial Planner with Donald M. Graham & Associates.
Upon full retirement, Sam spent time pursuing hobbies like gardening. Sam enjoyed few things more than walking through his gardens and was meticulous with their care. He loved showing off his plants to others. Sam also spent many autumns tapping maple trees and making maple syrup in the “Sugar Shack” on his property. Maple syruping provided hours of fellowship with friends who regularly came to help. Sam loved jigsaw puzzles, and many a late night he would promise to come to bed “after a few more pieces.” Together, Sam and Joan enjoyed attending art fairs. They shared a keen eye for “unique art.” Sam always offered a hearty chuckle when his family would shake their heads upon seeing a new piece they acquired.
Sam demonstrated a life-long commitment to service. After leaving private medical practice, he continued to provide care at a local free clinic. He served as a director of Hospice, built many homes with Habitat for Humanity, was a longtime Rotarian with the Rotary Club, and was active at church. Sam’s commitment to service included local and global mission projects and advocating for social justice initiatives.
Sam also had a deep love for his family. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren whenever he was able. Most of all, he enjoyed life with his wife of 56 years. Sam’s entire family was blessed by his unending love, his dry wit, and his big heart.
A visitation will be held on Friday, February 24, from 4 pm to 7 pm at Snyder Funeral Home Lexington Avenue Chapel. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 24, at Lexington Church of the Cross at 11 am with an hour of visitation prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to OhioHealth Hospice – Mansfield (https://foundation.ohiohealth.com/programs/hospice-giving), Habitat for Humanity for Richland and Crawford Counties (www.habitatofrcc.org), or the Mennonite Economic Development Associates (www.meda.org).
Please visit snyderfuneralhomes.com to share a story with the family and view the tribute video.
Funeral home : Snyder Family Owned Funeral Home
