Robert J. Kauffman

Born on February 17, 1935 in Springfield, IL, Bob was the beloved son of Elizabeth, nee Malone and William Kauffman of Springfield, IL, and was the youngest of four children.

He married Elizabeth Patterson on September 12, 1959. We are thankful that they were able to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary together and with friends and family in September of 2024. They were truly inseparable throughout their long life together. She preceded him in death April 12, 2025.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; and three siblings: brothers, James L. (Noelle) Kauffman of Mt. Prospect and William V. (Ruth) Kauffman, Jr. of Springfield; and sister, Mary Giacomelli of Rockford.

Bob was devoted to his family and felt that his four children are his proudest legacy. He loved family events, especially holiday get-togethers, as well as time spent with friends. He also enjoyed many travels with Betty and their four children, including trips to the beach at Gulf Shores, Alabama, camping, and a number of reluctant ski trips where he did his best to keep up with Betty and the family. We love you Dad, for trying.

Bob graduated from Marquette University Law School in 1959, following which he entered the US Air Force in the office of Judge Advocate General. While serving, he was stationed in Southampton, NY and Ankara, Turkey. Returning after service to West Bend, WI, he entered private practice and was later elected as District Attorney of Washington County, WI. Bob then moved the family to the Washington, DC area where he joined the US Department of Justice. He later relocated the family to Peoria, IL where he worked for the US Federal Courts, first as Assistant United States Attorney, then as Clerk of Court, and he was ultimately appointed as US Magistrate Judge, retiring in 2000.

Early on and during election years, the four Kauffman children could be seen wearing their “Dad for D.A.” sailor hats at nearby county fairs. Late in his career, he told us that his favorite memory was naturalizing new citizens. He will be missed by his ‘Federal Family’.

Bob is lovingly remembered by his son, Tom (Tina) Kauffman of Charlotte, NC (grandchildren, Katie and Bob); his daughters, Jean (Mike) O’Leary of Denver, NC (grandchildren, Annie and John); Sue (Bruce) Brown of Ottawa, IL (grandchildren, Allie and Beth); and Carol (Doug) Higgins of Green Bay, WI (grandchild, Sarah). His legacy lives on through them and all who were fortunate to know him. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren: Talia, Lyla, Remy, Eli, Etta and Luke; and many nieces and nephews.

Celebration of life for both Bob and Betty will be held Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 2-6 pm at Kelleher’s Irish Pub, 619 Southwest Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602, where they wished to be remembered by their many friends and family with a smile, a few stories, and perhaps an Irish toast: “Slan mo chara (safe home my friend)”.

Arrangements are being made for a private interment and ceremony to be held at a National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/ or to Snyder Village Retirement Community, 1200 E. Partridge Street, Metamora, IL 61548 or at: https://www.snydervillage.com/retirement-community-donations/ where we give special thanks to Jessica Beyer and her dedicated team on Hall 2 at Snyder Village for the excellent care they provided to both of our parents. Thank you as well to Liz Hoppe and the team at Transitions Hospice for the care and compassion delivered in their last days.