Norman Pearce Kauffman

Our Father, Norman Pearce Kauffman, leaves a legacy of a craftsman, artfully building a family and relationships on strong and loving foundations. He left this world on December 18th, 2011, after a two week stay in the hospital as a result of an auto accident. Norman was born on March 27, 1935, in Detroit, MI, the son of Levi and Dorothy Kauffman. Dad shared numerous tales of childhood adventure, like the times he and his chums would wait by a rail line for a friendly conductor to load them onto a slow moving train. With their toy sail boats under their arms they would inch through the yard to the end of the line, and sail their boats in rain filled tanker cars. Dad loved the movie “A Christmas Story” because it accurately portrayed his remembrances of childhood, including his passion for bb guns.

After graduating from MacKenzie High School in 1953, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis and recuperated at the Northville hospital. It was there he met another patient, Josephine Beatrice Solis, and discovered the love of his life. They shared 54 years together, devoted to their family and each other, settling in Redford, MI. Norman worked as a draftsman and was good with his hands. He was excessively clever at games and puzzles, and had a dry sense of humor. There was always at least one pet in the house and Norm was never without a dog at his feet. He enjoyed travel and would load the family into the station wagon for long road trips; camping was an annual event. Loving and generous with his time, Norman took his nieces and nephews under his wing and was active in scouting.

After taking an early retirement from GTE Valeron, he spent the next decades renovating a farmhouse in Yale, MI. As a teen Norm collected Civil War firearms; he and Josie shared a love of antiques and the sport of bidding at auctions. He made stained glass as a hobby which led him into oil lamps and into business, collecting and refurbishing antique furniture. “The Farm” as it is lovingly called, was Norm and Josie’s pet project and home for over twenty years. They enjoyed creating a special place for the family to enjoy with a stocked pond and acres of land for gardening, hunting and exploring on the back of Grandpa’s tractor.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Pearce Joseph Kauffman. Mourned by his wife Josephine and brother Alvin; Children Michael and Sandra Kauffman (Alex, Katie and Kristen); Richard and Arnette Kauffman (PJ, Liz, Pearce, Ricky, Joy and Josie); Virginia and Brian Falk; Dorothy and Robert Iannarelli (Gina, Tony, Hannah and Sophia); Phyllis and Philip Balmforth (Chris, Ben, Philip and Matt); Cristina and Brian Mc Millan (Calvin and Tommy). He will be missed by his many cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews, from Hawaii to Florida. His loyal dog Daisy and barn cat Fancy.

The visitation will be at the Harry J. Will Funeral Home at 37000 W. Six Mile Road in Livonia 1pm to 9pm on Wednesday, December 21st with Rosary at 7:00 pm.

He will be lying in repose at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 27101 West Chicago in Redford, at 10:00 am with a funeral mass at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 22.

Donations for use as the family wished.

Arrangements under the direction of Harry J Will Funeral Homes, Livonia, MI.