David J Kuffner

David J. Kuffner, AIA, healthcare architect and partner, principal, and Chairman of the Board, with O’Donnell, Wicklund, Pigozzi and Peterson Architects (later Cannon Design), passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve, holding his beloved wife’s hand. He was 78.

“If you don’t overdo it, you’ll never know how far you could have gone”.—David J. Kuffner

This quote deeply defines how “Kuff,” as he was universally known, approached all aspects of his life. He loved, parented, worked, created, designed, talked, and vacationed with huge passion and enthusiasm. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen M. Kuffner (née May), their children, daughter Ilsa (Kody) and granddaughter Lenna; son Erik (Karen), granddaughter Norah, and grandson Mason; and daughter Elin (David). He is preceded in death by his parents, John H. Kuffner and Eleanor M. Kuffner (née Boysen), and his brother Richard. He completed a Bachelor of Architecture degree at the University of Illinois in 1970, which included a formative study program in La Napoule, France. His accomplished architectural career took off when he joined OWP&P Architects, where he worked for 40 years. He specialized in designing healthcare institutions across the U.S. and internationally, including Canada, India, and Afghanistan. Kuff’s design work improved the lives of thousands of patients and professional caregivers—people for which he passionately advocated throughout his career. A celebration of life is being planned for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the following organizations: Northwestern University Center for Audiology, Speech, Language, and Learning https://nucasll.northwestern.edu/ The Mesulam Institute for Cognitive Neurology https://www.brain.northwestern.edu/about/giving.html.

For Info William H Scott Funeral Home 1100 Greenleaf Ave Wilmette, Il 847-251-8200