"Emery, what a wonderful person. I am blessed for knowing him."
In loving memory of
Emery L. Kaufmann
November 11, 2014
Emery L. Kaufmann, age 89, of 2435 Old Orchard Rd., Quincy, died Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at 4:14am in his home, surrounded by family, full of love, then transferring to his heavenly family of love with Jesus Christ.
Emery was born October 19, 1925 in Quincy, Illinois, the son of August and Elsie Bock Kaufmann. He graduated from Quincy Senior High School in 1943, where he met his wife to be, Bettie Meyer, whom he married 4 years later on May 19, 1947, in Grace Methodist Church. She survives.
It was no easy feat to acquire his high school education; in fact, he nearly logged 10,000 miles on a bicycle riding over gravel roads from two miles east of Marblehead.
Following high school, Emery enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943. He was a gunner's mate, serving in the Philippines and New Guinea.
He and Bettie spent the earlier years of their married life farming in the Lima area before moving to Meredosia, IL, where Emery pastored the Methodist Church for two years. The rest of their lives were spent in Quincy where Emery worked for Adams County Public Aid for 28 years, retiring as Assistant Supervisor. During these years he also attended Culver Stockton College, Jacksonville College and Quincy University, where he graduated in 1975 with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Sociology.
Following retirement, Emery and Bettie had 21 years of the delightful endeavor of owning and operating Quincy's first bed & breakfast, The Kaufmann House, at 1641 Hampshire.
Emery was of the kind and gentle spirit, with a genuine, Godly character, pursuing through his lifetime to get an education & take care of his family. He was an excellent craftsman, remodeling their homes and making many gifts for his children and grandchildren, whom he treasured with as much love as they did for him.
He and Bettie enjoyed wonderful trips in the States, including an Alaskan Cruise, as well as traveling abroad to the British Isles and Israel. He attended the Crossing Church and fell to the great privilege of accompanying the pastor on a group tour to the Holy Land nearing the end of his grand journey of life.
In addition to his wife, survivors include: five children: Jan F. Kaufmann-Dearing of Palmyra, MO; Keith E. Kaufmann of Quincy; Jean L. (Scott) Meyer of Hannibal, MO; June A. (Tom) Harmon of Springfield, IL; and Lori L. Tuttle of Quincy; 14 grandchildren: Stephen L. Dearing IV of Palmyra, MO; Adam Jett Dearing of Kansas City, MO; Tory Kaufmann of Quincy; Tyler (Devon) Kaufmann of Quincy; Gabe Meyer of Columbia, MO; Ellie Meyer of Chicago, IL; Gus Meyer of Columbia, MO; Jason (Angi) Harmon of Springfield, IL; Jennifer (Dan) Sears of Springfield, IL; Lauren (Ben) Fay of Clarksville, TN; Elsie (Nathan Parker) Tuttle of St. Louis, MO; Emma Tuttle of St. Louis, MO; Clayton Tuttle of Madison, WI; and Peter Tuttle of Madison, WI; seven great-grandchildren; and close friend, Harry Dyel of Quincy.
Emery was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Kenneth and Clifford Kaufmann.
Visitation will be from 2:00pm - 4:00pm, Sunday, November 16, 2014 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be 10:00am, Monday, November 17, 2014 at The Crossing Church with Reverend Jerry Harris officiating, assisted by Pastor Jeff Nelson.
Burial will be at Greenmount Cemetery in Quincy, Illinois.
The pallbearers will be his nine grandsons.
Memorials may be made to The Well House or The Crossing Church.
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements
Tributes
"Dear Bettie & family, Praying for you and your family during your loss of Emery. I have so many memories of Emery and you through the years. Thinking about being @ Columbus Road and Lighthouse. Praying for all of you during this time."
"Dear Betty and family, So sorry to about Emery just thinking of your family last week I have great childhood memories of your family at Columbus Road. Your all in my thoughts and prayers."
"Betty i am sadden to hear about the lose of Emery. I can remember us going to the kids home. I miss you guys and I don't get back to Quincy very often. It is so difficult to lose a love one but God gives us strength to carry on. I just lost my dad and my brother this year and it's been a difficult year. I have fond memories of you and your husband. God Bless - 14635 Middlefield Lane, Odessa, FL 33556 (right out side of Tampa, Fl)"
"Dear Betty and family, We were saddened to learn that Emery has passed away. We were always glad to have him as a relative and friend. It always gave us a warm feeling to run into you at random times around town. We hope your rich memories and God's Blessings bring comfort as you honor the memory of a fine person. With best wishes."