Obituary – Eugene Kauffman
Eugene Kauffman, 97, formerly of Somerset, PA, and most recently from Oak Island, NC, passed on May 19, 2024, at the home of his son, Craig and wife, Janice. Eugene was born on March 18, 1927, in Johnstown, PA, the son of the late Walter Kauffman and Mary Rosezetta (Carbaugh) Kauffman.
Eugene is pre-deceased by his wife, Betty Ann Kauffman, daughter, Peggy Lee Horner, and a grandson, William Churchill, also two sisters, Ramona Churchey and Vivian Deist (Pat).
He is survived by five remaining children: Cheryl Phillippi (Dwain), Craig E. Kauffman (Janice), Darcy Everly, Susie Lambert (Russ), and Wanda Kauffman. Eugene had 11 grandchildren: Melissa Whipkey (Jason); Melanie Andolina (Dave), Janay Deuley (Josh), Christopher Kauffman, Eric R. Brant (Lisa), Dr. Corey S. Everly-Hensley (Benedict), Jessica Baker, Jeremy McLarney (Amy), Travis Lambert (Kristin), James Betz, and Lynsey Kauffman. Eugene also had 22 great-grandchildren: David (Janna), Destiny, Lacie, Luke, Katelyn, Ehlana, Meghan, Connor, Hayden, Christopher, Benjamin, Mazie, Carson, Gunner, Emma, Maverick, Ella, Aleigha, Caleb, Lane, Addalyn, and Cash; and one great-great grandchild: Adalynn.
Eugene was the last surviving member of his immediate family and had many friends over the years, including special friends, Gene and Diane Lebo. Eugene graduated in 1946 from Westmont Hilltop High School where he played basketball and football. He played baseball for approximately 4 years with the City League in Johnstown and also with independent teams. Eugene started work with the Pennsylvania Railroad (later known as Conrail) on February 6, 1947 and retired in October 1987 with 40 years of service. He was a Yardmaster when he retired. In his younger years, Eugene had his own Country-Western band and played guitar and mandolin. They played at local fire halls and that’s where he and his wife first met. Eugene was President of the Quemahoning Rod and Gun Club in Stoystown, PA for 7 years, and financial secretary for 15 years. He was also a firearms instructor. Eugene was a former member of the Somerset County Fly Fisher’s Club where he was an instructor for those with an interest in tying trout and other flies. During the winter months, he tied between 500-1000 flies. He was a member of New Baltimore Sportsman’s Club as well. He was past president and trustee for the Property and Camp Owner’s Association of Leidy Township, near Cross Fork, PA, where he and his wife built a cabin along Kettle Creek in 1958.
Eugene did volunteer work for the Pennsylvania Fish Commission, stocking and raising fish, as well as volunteer work for Kettle Creek State Park, Kettle Creek Watershed Association, and Kettle Creek Tamarack Sportsman’s Club. He was an avid fly-fisher and bow hunter. Eugene loved spending time with his children and their families. He taught all six of his children how to swim at the family cabin. Eugene and his wife were married for 62 years before her passing on April 6, 2014. Eugene was always ready to help anyone in time of need, whether at his home in Somerset, PA or at the family cabin. He had a love for gardening and raising fruit trees, and would always share the yield from his crops with others. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
There will be viewing/visitation on at the Hauger-Zeigler Funeral Home & Cremation Services 494 West Main St. Somerset, PA 15501 on Saturday, May 25, 2024 from 10-11 a.m. with a service to immediately follow at 11 a.m. Interment at Laurel Cemetery, Rockwood, PA.
In lieu of flowers, Eugene prefers donations be made to one of the following: Kettle Creek Watershed Association, P.O. Box 317, Cross Fork, PA 17729-0317; Kettle Creek Tamarack Sportsman’s Club, 4133 Tamarack Road, Renovo, PA 17764; or the American Lung Association, P.O. Box 100096, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 or online: https://action.lung.org To leave a condolence please visit www.haugerzeigler.com
