Gerald G. Kaufmann

A graduate of Lane Tech College Prep High School, Northwestern University and Purdue University Business Program, Jerry spent his entire career as an insurance executive. Living in many cities throughout Illinois, he continued growing a successful business and making lifelong friends. In 2014, he and Suzanne decided to give up their snowbird status and retired fulltime to their home in Port Charlotte, where they continued to make wonderful friends and many happy memories.

Jerry was considered a true “Bookman”, collecting many rare first editions, as well as being a lifelong learner. He believed fully that “Readers are Leaders”. He also enjoyed traveling the world, both fresh and salt water fishing, playing bocce ball, and spending time with family and friends.

He was an ardent Sherlockian, belonging to many Sherlock Holmes societies, most notably, The Sherlock Holmes Society of London and The Hounds of the Baskerville [sic]. Jerry was known for being an individualist, and even formed a Sherlockian society with only himself as a member- The Solitary Cyclist.

In 1957 Jerry was appointed to attend The U.S. Military Academy at West Point, but chose instead to marry his sweetheart and become a captain of industry. However, he was a passionate supporter of both active military and veterans and is most famously remembered for ending every solemn occasion with, “… and god bless the troops in harm’s way.”

Jerry, son of Julius Josef Kaufmann and Hazel (Erickson) Kaufmann, is preceded in death by the love of his life, Suzanne (Stuk) Kaufmann, his wife of 57 years. He is survived by his daughter Kathryn (Geno) Boyle and his son Keith Kaufmann. He was a loving Grandpa to Laura (Mike DeGrace) Boyle, Alex (Tash) Boyle, Sarah Kaufmann, Sophie (Khalil Haddad) Kaufmann and Matthew Kaufmann, and a doting Great Pa to Hailey Irene Boyle.

Services will be private and a celebration of life is set for later this summer. Our thoughts are with all who knew and loved him.