Nicholas "Nick" Kauffman

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Nicholas James Kauffman
Date Of Birth:May 3, 1991
Date Of Death:February 15, 2012
Service Date:Visitation- 2-5 p.m. Sunday, February 19 at Trinity Lutheran, Church in Bloomington and one hour prior to the services on Monday
Funeral- 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 20 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bloomington

Nicholas James Kauffman

Bloomington-Nicholas James Kauffman, 20, of Bloomington, passed away at 3:10 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012.

Funeral services for Nick will be at 11:00 am on Monday, February 20, 2012 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 801 S. Madison St. in Bloomington. Pastors Thomas Wirsing, Allen Steinbeck, and Chris Nitzel will officiate. Visitation will be held from 2-5 pm on Sunday, February 19, 2012 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bloomington and one hour prior to the services on Monday. Burial will follow services in Park Hill Cemetery in Bloomington. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington is handling arrangements for the family.

Memorial contributions in Nick's name may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Trinity Lutheran School, or the McLean County Humane Society.

He was born May 3, 1991 in Bloomington a son of Christopher E. and Vickie L. Elmore Kauffman.

Surviving are his parents, Christopher and Vickie Kauffman of Bloomington; two brothers, Adam Kauffman of Deerfield, IL and Marine Sgt. Aaron Kauffman of N'Djamena Chad, Africa; maternal grandmother, Donna Elmore of Bloomington; paternal grandmother, Marilyn Kauffman of Chenoa; three aunts, Sandi (Jay) Zehr of Chenoa, Cindy (Joe) Szarek of Bloomington, and Dawn Elmore of Bloomington; one uncle, Danny Elmore of Bloomington; and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Jim Elmore.

His paternal grandfather, Gene Kauffman passed away on February 16, 2012.

Nick graduated from U-High in 2009 where he played baseball and was selected to the Inner City All Star team. He enjoyedhunting, fishing, and playing baseball. He worked as a crew leader at Bellas Landscaping. Nick was planning on moving to Texas to work as a Communications Tower Climber- Technician.

Nick loved spending time with his family and friends; he gave great hugs and will be truly missed by everyone. His friends all considered him family.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.


  • From: Tom Elmore

    Vickie/Chris, There is nothing I could ever say or do that would make this event in your life feel OK. It is something that life has dealt you, it is unfair and painfull. It will take time to bring the healing for it. Embrace your family, they will give you the strength to move on until time can do its thing. Uncle Jim and Aunt Donna Mae built a wonderful family legacy in Bloomington that will get you through this. Tom.


  • From: Stacie Hoselton-Casner
    Location:Chenoa, IL

    I am very saddened to hear of the loss of your son & also your father, grandfather & father-in-law. My whole family sends there prayers for Gods healing during this most difficult time in your life. Words will not take away the pain, but I do hope that the wonderful memories that filled your hearts with them before passing will help pull you all through this journey. May God bless you & your family and continue to give you strength to heal. Our Deepest Sympathy~ The Casner Family The Ray Hoselton Family The Rod Hoselton Family The Doug Hoselton Family The Jeff Hoselton Family


  • From: Tammie Mills
    Location:Bloomington

    Vickie and family: I am so sorry for your loss. Many prayers are sent your way. I pray God gives you the strength to get through this and heal.


  • From: Donna (Weber) Ray
    Location:Sun Prairie, WI

    Dear Chris, Vickie and family: I have no words that can take away the pain and sorrow that you all feel right now, other than I am truly sorry for your loss. No one can ever imagine tha pain of losing a child. I will pray that you will have the strength and courage to get through this terrible tragedy. Please remember all of the wonderful memories that you have of Nick to help you get through this. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. My Deepest Sympathy, Donna (Weber) Ray


  • From: Sue Flessner
    Location:Pontiac, IL

    Vickie and Chris, I am so sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine the pain and suffering you are going through at this time. May God wrap his arms around all of you and guide you through this difficult time. Take care and comfort knowing that so many people care about all of you.


  • From: Carol Walker
    Location:Columbus, Ohio

    Dear Vickie and Christopher, I am so very sad to learn of your son's passing. I pray that you will lean on God, your family and friends to pull you through this heartbreaking time and to help you in the future. Please know too that there are so many people sending compassion your way.


  • From: Julie (Brown) Hussong
    Location:Normal, IL

    I am so very sorry for your loss. I cannot even imagine the pain you are feeling. You and your family have my deepest sympathy.


  • From: Greg & Mary Weber
    Location:Pontiac Il

    Chris and Vickie we are so very sorry for your loss. We cannot imagine the pain you are feeling. You and your family have our deepest sympathy. Your family will be in our thought and prayers.


  • From: Lisa Ross
    Location:Heyworth, IL

    Vickie, Chris, and family, We are so sorry this happened. Words can't express the pain you must be feeling. Our family was so blessed to have known Nick. He shared laughter, joy, and good conversation in our lives. Of course Jack viewed him as a brother and was so fortunate to have the friend that he had in Nick. I know Nick helped Jack through tough times. They were there for each other. Savannah looked up to him. Denny and I thoroughly enjoyed talking with him. He had such a wonderful personality. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Lisa, Denny, Jack, and Savannah Ross


  • From: Linda  Sellberg
    Location:Bloomington

    Vickie and Chris, I can't begin to tell you how sorry Tom and I are for your loss(s). You are constantly on my mind, in my thoughts, and in my prayers. Please try to find some small amount of comfort in knowing that there are many people out here to support you and help you in whatever it is you may need. God Bless


  • From: Linda  Sellberg
    Location:Bloomington

    Vickie and Chris, I can't begin to tell you how sorry Tom and I are for your loss(s). You are constantly on my mind, in my thoughts, and in my prayers. Please try to find some small amount of comfort in knowing that there are many people out here to support you and help you in whatever it is you may need. God Bless


  • From: Lori (Bee) Lazarine
    Location:Pontiac, IL

    My most sincere sympathies for you all. Many hearts are aching for you at this time of loss. And though no one can take away your sorrow, maybe the support and concern of others will give you the strength you need from day to day.


  • From: Barb Alt
    Location:Normal, IL

    Chris and Vickie, I am so sorry to hear this terrible news! I can't imagine having to deal with such a tragedy, but I know you have a very strong faith in God, and He will see you through! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Barb


  • From: Lori Koehler
    Location:Normal, Il

    I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Lori


  • From: Patty Gaddis

    You are in my thoughts and prayers.


  • From: Eric, Kathleen & Sean Christian
    Location:Normal, Illinois

    To all of the Kauffman family, Nick was such a great person to coach and get to know on AND off of the field. He never complained about anything and just went out and played and always just did what he was suppose to do. There was never a time he didn't greet me without a smile on his face and was always such a respectful young man. His personality was a direct reflection of his family and he AND his family will continuously be in my thoughts for the rest of my life. Coach Christian


  • From: Cherie  Pierce
    Location:Bloomington

    Vickie, Chris and family. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this time. My heart goes out to you.


  • From: Eric, Kathleen & Sean Christian
    Location:Normal, Illinois

    To all of the Kauffman family, Nick was such a great person to coach and get to know on AND off of the field. He never complained about anything and just went out and played and always just did what he was suppose to do. There was never a time he didn't greet me without a smile on his face and was always such a respectful young man. His personality was a direct reflection of his family and he AND his family will continuously be in my thoughts for the rest of my life. Coach Christian


  • From: Robert Bosquez
    Location:Bloomington

    Chris I am deeply sadden to hear about your loss. I remember you beign a very proud dad when you talked about his baseball skills to me at BSC. My prayers are with you and your entire family.


  • From: Lori Miller
    Location:El Paso, IL

    Vickie, Chris and family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Please know that you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I know that you have a strong faith and wonderful family to help you during this difficult time. My deepest sympathy. Lori Miller and family


  • From: Susan  Ruiz
    Location:Bulverde, TX

    Vickie, Chris, Adam and Aaron; There are no words to express how very sorry we are for your loss. We were stunned to hear the news and our hearts are so very heavy thinking of the loss of such a wonderful son. I wish I could be there to give you all a big hug just like Nick use to do so well. Cameron and Jack are traveling back to IL to be there once again for their best buddy, Nick. Know that you are in our prayers and that God will carry you through by holding you all in the palms of his hands.


  • From: Bob & Linda  Westerfield
    Location:Salem, MO

    Vickie and Family, Linda and I are sorry to hear about Nick. We will keep you and your's in our thoughts and prayers.


  • From: Carol Evans
    Location:Minier IL

    Vickie and family, I am very sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.


  • From: Kelly Nichols
    Location:Chenoa/Flanagan/Farmer City

    Vickie/Chris/Marilyn, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Our deepest sympathies, The Jo Simmons family, Doug and Carol Seeman family and Kelly Nichols family


  • From: Rigoberto Diaz
    Location:Peoria

    To the entire Kauffman family, our prayers are with you as you go through these most difficult days. May the memories your shared, comfort you.


  • From: Rigoberto Diaz
    Location:Peoria

    To the entire Kauffman family, our prayers are with you as you go through these most difficult days. May the memories your shared, comfort you.


  • From: Sabrina Canfield
    Location:Normal Il.

    Vickie, Chris, and family, I am so saddened for your loss. May GOD help you through this. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.


  • From: Linda Wolfe Griffin
    Location:Kansas

    Vicki and family, May you feel God's presence during this most difficult time. I can't begin to express my deepest sympathy. God bless you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayer. I am so very sorry! Linda Griffin


  • From: Anita deVargas
    Location:Bloomington, IL

    Dear Chris, Vickie, Adam and Aaron, My deepest sincere sympathy to all of you. Your faith will give you strength, your family will give the love you need to carry on. No words can be expressed to console you in your grief, but know Nick is in heaven with Jim. I am so sorry for your loss. Nick touched us all in a very special way. Anita


  • From: Barbara  Elmore Pearson
    Location:St. John, IN

    Chris, Vickie, Adam, Aaron, We are sending our deepest sympathy to you all. Hang on tight to each other for strength. You have an incredible family, a strong faith, and countless friends to support you through this difficult time. Love to you all, Barb, Chuck, and Jess


  • From: Bradley and Karen Hall
    Location:Chenoa, IL.

    So sorry for your loss.


  • From: Lilly & Sara Vore
    Location:Normal, IL

    There is a deep sadness in our hearts over this news. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with your family.


  • From: Jennifer Hendricks

    Vickie and family, Wish there was some way to help you through this. Thinking of you. Keep the faith, and keep family near. We are out of town, but will keep you in our thoughts. Love to all of you. Jennifer & Paul


  • From: Bruce Mary, and Jacob  Cope
    Location:Stanford IL

    Dearest Chris, Vicki and boys, Bruce and I are heart broken over this! We adored Nick. Jake played baseball with Nick from TBall age on. Jake was the catcher and Nick the pitcher. Jake said they had a connection together on the field, and he will never forget Nick! Nick was a wonderful boy..kind, well mannered, and a delight to be around! We feel honored to have been part of his precious life. In loving Christ, Bruce, Mary, and Jacob Cope


  • From: Lori Hyser
    Location:Normal, IL

    Vickie - I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.


  • From: Doug, Brent and Jack  Miller
    Location:Normal, IL

    Chris, Vicki and Family - I am so sorry for your loss. Nick was a great teammate and friend to Brent. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you!!


  • From: Sara and Kyle  Campbell
    Location:Williston, SC

    Chris and Vickie, Our hearts are breaking over the loss of Nick. We are so sorry. We will always remember his sweet smile and we are blessed to have known him and your family. We regret not being in the Bloomington area to offer our condolences in person. South Carolina feels very far away right now. Please know that you are in our prayers. Sara and Kyle Campbell


  • From: Frank and Dolores Hooley
    Location:Shipshewana, IN

    To the Kauffman family, we received a call about the tragic loss of Nick. You have our deepest sympathy during your time of grief and you definately have our heartfelt prayers. It has been quite a few years since we've seen your family at the Kauffman reunion in Illinois and have lost touch with you. The Nelson side of the family in Indiana is also aware of your loss. Again, deepest sympathy to all your family. From your extended Indiana family, The Hooley's


  • From: Misty Keyoth
    Location:Lakewood, CO

    Vickie and Family: Words seem so inadequate, but I wanted your family to know that I am thinking of you all during this very difficult time. Sent with love and caring thoughts, Misty McGuire Keyoth


  • From: Misty Keyoth
    Location:Lakewood, CO

    Vickie and Family: Words seem so inadequate, but I wanted your family to know that I am thinking of you all during this very difficult time. Sent with love and caring thoughts, Misty McGuire Keyoth


  • From: Sharon O'Brien
    Location:Bloomington

    Dear Chris, Vickie and family. I am so sorry for your loss of Nick and Chris's father. There are no words that can ease the pain that all of you are feeling at this time. May God bless all of you with strength and peace. You have a wonderful family that will always be there for you and strong faith as well as great memories of Nick. Please let me know if you need anything. God Bless, love Sharon


  • From: Gary Brockhouse
    Location:Morris, IL

    Thoughts to you at this sad time. Old Friends


  • From: Kelly Spencer
    Location:Normal, IL

    My sympathy to Nick's family and friends. May each of you find strength through God to continue on as I'm sure Nick would want. Remember the good times, and the special memories Nick has left each of you with. Patrick was heartbroken when he heard about the accident and Nick's passing. May God be with all of your family and Nick's friends and may you support, forgive and cherish one and other.


  • From: Karol, LeeAnn, JoAnn and Vickie Godfrey
    Location:Georgia

    Chris, Vickie and Kauffman Family, We are saddened by your the loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. The Godfreys Karol, LeeAnn, JoAnn and Vickie


  • From: The Homan Family 
    Location:Normal, Il

    No amount of condolences can make this tragedy seem any lighter. My heart is with you and your family in this time of loss. I will pray for your strength through this.


  • From: Christy (Bayes) Jacobs
    Location:Wildwood, MO

    Dear Chris, Vickie, & family. Jerry & I are so truly sorry to hear of dear loss of your son & father. Our hearts & prayers go out to you during this sad and difficult time. We just heard and my heart stopped. Keep your family close and have faith. We pray your hearts will mend in time. Our deepest Sympathy! Jerry & Christy (Bayes) Jacobs.


  • From: Christy (Bayes) Jacobs
    Location:Wildwood, MO

    Dear Chris, Vickie, & family. Jerry & I are so truly sorry to hear of dear loss of your son & father. Our hearts & prayers go out to you during this sad and difficult time. We just heard and my heart stopped. Keep your family close and have faith. We pray your hearts will mend in time. Our deepest Sympathy! Jerry & Christy (Bayes) Jacobs.


  • From: Lynn Ludwig
    Location:Bloomington, IL

    Dear Vickie and family, You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your youngest son, Nick and your father. I was so saddened to hear about your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Love, Tony, Lynn, Luke, and Jude Ludwig