Dan Charles Kaufman

Danny “Dan” Charles Kaufman, 85, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2025. Dan was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather; a steady presence in the lives of those he loved the most. We bid farewell to a man whose towering presence was always accompanied by endless kindness and a servant’s heart.

Dan was born on January 20, 1940, in Steuben County, IN, the son of Mark and Rolene (Schaeffer) Kaufman. He married Judy Sickafus on December 27, 1965. Their loving marriage of 59 years was a blessing to their family and friends.

Dan graduated from Fremont High School in 1958 and attended Butler University. He was recruited to play basketball by the legendary coach, Tony Hinkle, and was part of the 1961-62 Hall of Fame team. After college, he settled in Fort Wayne, IN, where he enjoyed a 38-year career with Fort Wayne Community Schools. He spent most of his years serving as a school administrator at Lane, Lakeside, and Memorial Park Magnet Middle Schools. His retirement in 1999 did not slow his spirit of service. He enjoyed volunteering in many capacities, including driving family and patients for the American Cancer Society. Dan and Judy are long time members of Plymouth Congregational Church, where they participated and served in many areas. Dan enjoyed singing in the choir and participating in the annual Boars Head and Yule log Festival. When they relocated to Indianapolis to be close to Sarah and her family, Dan and Judy joined the First Congregational Church. Dan enjoyed spending time outdoors enjoying nature. He and Judy were early members and supported ACRES Land Trust.

Surviving are his wife, Judy Kaufman; daughter, Sarah (Jeremy) Hunter of Indianapolis, IN; and granddaughters, Hannah and Abby Hunter.

A celebration of life will be held at Plymouth Church, 501 W. Berry Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802 on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 11:00 am. There will be an open reception and time to greet the family following the service. In lieu of flowers, gifts to either Plymouth Congregational Church's Boars Head Festival Fund or IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center Miles for Myeloma would be appreciated.