Thomas Arthur Kaufman, Jr.

Thomas Arthur Kaufman, Jr., 85 of Metamora, IL passed away Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 4:40 pm at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

He fought an amazing battle with cancer beating all odds for the past three years. He was very independent and made the most of every day. His family will cherish the time they had to love on him and care for him in his final days. They are so grateful for God's amazing grace as they witnessed his complete peace as he walked into the loving arms of Jesus.

He was born to Thomas and Ruth (Conklin) Kaufman on February 8, 1940 at the family farmhouse in Sheffield, IL. He graduated from Sheffield High School in 1958. Tom worked as a printer at Bemis Bag Corp in Peoria, IL for 42 years retiring in February 2002.

He loved his family immensely, teaching them all about creation, gardening, cooking, fishing and hunting.  He spent hours taking them on golf cart rides through the woods, doing puzzles and just sitting and enjoying their company. He had a great sense of humor and especially loved making them laugh. Even the dogs loved going to Grandpa's. He spoiled all of the dogs but his favorite breed was his beloved German Shorthaired Pointers.  He also enjoyed spending hours mowing making sure his lines were perfectly straight. He loved his country and was a life-long St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He cherished his friendships and always made everyone feel welcomed.

His family misses him dearly already. He is survived by his four children, Amber (Michael) Reatherford of Metamora, IL, Dr. Michael (Lisa) Kaufman of Snohomish, WA, Tammy (Kevin) Poppen of Germantown Hills, IL, and Dr. Timothy (Melinda) Kaufman of Metamora, IL; fourteen grandchildren, Maegen Beck, Aaron Sparks, Jacob Kaufman, Chase Reatherford, Cassandra Kaufman, Jarod Reatherford, Beau Kaufman, Elli Barrow, Nicole Kaufman, Paige Frenette, Margaret Jelinski, Jeremiah Poppen, Michael Poppen, and Peter Kaufman; and ten great-grandchildren, Kaedence, Allison, Beau, Knox, Avery, Sophie, Molly, Selah, Link, and Marlow.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four siblings Jacqueline Phillips, Joann Cranford, Marilyn Umdenstock, and Richard Kaufman, and his great-grandson Easton Reatherford.

According to Tom's wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at the Monte Cristo Room in Germantown Hills with a visitation beginning at 1:00 pm and a service at 2:30 pm. Pastor Sameed Osman of Northwoods Church will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Follow Me Project, NFP, P.O. Box 438, Metamora, IL 61548 or online at www.followmeproject.com.  Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

Follow Me Project, NFP
P.O. Box 438, Metamora IL 61548
Web: http://www.followmeproject.com