Sherman Kauffman, 82, died Dec. 6, 2025, at his home in Goshen, Ind., after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis.
He was born June 5, 1943, in Fairview, Mich., to Ira and Glada Kauffman, one of six children. After graduating from Fairview High School, he left for Voluntary Service through the Mennonite Church in Anzac, Alberta. There he worked for the Northland School Division that served children in some of the northernmost parts of Alberta, as well as community development. There he met his lifetime partner, Betty Yoder, from Kokomo, Ind., also serving in VS.
Following his first pastorate in Three Rivers, Mich., Sherm attended Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries and Goshen College, receiving a bachelor degree and certification.
For the remainder of his life, Sherm served the church in Sarasota, Fla., as associate pastor at Bayshore Mennonite Church and in Goshen as executive secretary and executive conference minister for Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference. During this time, he completed a master’s degree in nonprofit administration at Notre Dame. He also served on the boards of Sarasota Christian School and Goshen College. After retirement he served as a transitional minister in Ohio, Indiana and Nebraska. He also volunteered with Mennonite Disaster Service in Florida.
In retirement, he enjoyed wood-turning, creating wood bowls and vases. He loved the church and spending time with his family and grandchildren. He was a man of strong faith with a deep sense of justice and the importance of caring for God’s creation.
He is survived by his wife, Betty; daughter Shana (Marty) Hodel; son Jeff; six grandchildren; and siblings Polly Kauffman, Sandy Kauffman, Kathy (Wayne) Hochstedler and Bert Jacklitch.
He was preceded in death by brother Merrill, sister-in-law Linda Kauffman and brother-in-law Jim Jacklitch. He maintained a strong bond with Jerry Boucher, considered family through lifelong connection.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Dec. 27 at Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship in Goshen.
