In Memory of Wanda J. Kauffman

Wanda J. Kauffman, age 86, of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away on Monday, August 29, 2022, in Kansas City, Missouri.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. Rev. Luann Benge will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Dow City Cemetery of Dow City, Iowa.

A Visitation will be held one-hour prior to the service from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church of Ida Grove, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Wanda Jean Andersen was born October 24, 1935, in Dow City, IA, the fifth of seven children to Andrew and Ruby (Keairnes) Andersen. She graduated from Dow City High School in 1953. Wanda then attended Graceland College in Lamoni, IA, to study Education.   

Upon graduation Wanda taught elementary school in Dunlap and Grundy Center, IA. While in Dunlap, she met Vocational Agriculture instructor, Don Kauffman. They were married in Dow City on March 31, 1957. They were blessed with two sons, Jeffrey Dean (11/58) and Craig Alan (5/63).

After living in Des Moines and Boone, IA, Don joined the Soil Conservation Service in Rocky Ford and later Holly, CO. They transferred back to Iowa when Don was promoted as District Conservationist in Ida County. Wanda substituted in the Ida County schools until she started working for the State of Iowa Social Services Department. She retired in 1997 and enjoyed helping in their Christmas tree operation by decorating wreaths and making Christmas holiday memories for many families in the community.

Wanda was a woman of deep faith and gave much of her time to volunteering at the First United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Hospital Auxiliary, the American Legion Auxiliary, and enjoyed playing cards and reading. In retirement Wanda and Don traveled extensively in the USA with friends and family. Her most treasured times were being Grandma Hawkeye and spending time with her grandchildren, Lauren, Wade, Ian, Emma, Grace, Sarah, Aynsley and great-granddaughter, Nora. She also had many found memories of the times with her extended family. Any time they were together, there was excitement in the air. 

Wanda is survived by her two sons; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sisters, Betty Nuzum and Peg (Dave) Roberts; brothers-in-law, Dave Roberts and Dick (Bonna) Brooks; sister-in-law Peggy Andersen; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family.   

She was preceded in death by her husband Don Kauffman; both parents and parents-in-law; brothers, Don (Lois) Andersen and Bill Andersen; sisters, Bonna Brooks and Ann (Ben) Yarrington; sister-in-law, Mildred (Joe) Christner.