Richard Henry Kaufman “Dick”
Richard Henry Kaufman “Dick,” also lovingly known as Papa Dickie, Grrrouch, Grandpa, and Dad, passed away on September 21, 2026, at the Michigan Masonic Home in Alma, Michigan, at the age of 90.
Dick was born in Alma, Michigan on December 2, 1935, to Burdell Davis Kaufman and Russell Newman Kaufman. He was a lifelong resident of Alma. He graduated from Alma High School in 1954 and received a Certificate in Body and Fender Repair and Spray Painting from Ferris State University in 1957. He served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1964.
Dick married his beloved wife, Rosemary, on April 15, 1961. They celebrated 65 years of marriage this year. Dick was faithfully devoted to his wife, maintaining daily visits with her the past 7 years, since her move into nursing care. She surely misses the daily chocolates and diet cokes that he provided.
Dick and Rosemary had two children, five grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. They were all his pride and joy. He would always do anything for any of them and was sure to never miss any of their events, driving many miles to do so. He loved to talk and would brag endlessly to anyone who would listen to him about his beloved family.
Dick always had a strong work ethic. He was only 14, raking leaves outside, when he was offered his first job as a dishwasher at the Michigan Masonic Home. He went on to hold many jobs, including delivering papers, Lobdells, Fisher Body, managing Gratiot Farmers’ gas station, and Armco Steel. He also owned and operated the Main Cafe in Alma for more than 20 years. In his later years, he said that he used to know everyone in Alma, but that he didn’t anymore.
When he could get away, Dick loved to go fishing and hunting. He was a frequent visitor to his property in Grayling, and loved to get up to Como Lake Resort in Chapleau, Ontario. He hunted annually at Camp Digger with his lifelong friend Don, and assorted others. We all think that his very favorite thing to do was to mow his lawn, and he took great pride in a well-manicured yard.
Dick will be remembered for his devotion and love for his family, his humor, and the countless ways he cared for those around him. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Burdell Kaufman, and his brothers, Ralph, Alton, and William (Bill) Kaufman. He is survived by his wife, Rosemary; sister, Ruth Ann Wolven; children Kathleen Kaufman (Rich Jaskowski), and Kenneth Kaufman (Cindy, Shane Welch); grandchildren Hilare Kaufman (Sara Bur, Grace and Liam Spence), Nathan (Meredith, Lainy) Jones, Dylan Jaskowski (Makayla Lopez), Clay, Drew, and Ella Jaskowski; great-granddaughter Cecilia Jaskowski; and countless nieces, nephews, and greats.
Family and friends will gather on Sunday, September 27, 2026, for visitation at 1:00, and funeral service starting at 1:30 at Doig Memorial Chapel at the Michigan Masonic Home, Alma, Michigan. A meal will be served immediately after downstairs from the Chapel. Memorial contributions can be made on behalf of Dick to Gahagan Nature Preserve in Roscommon, MI. Arrangements have been entrusted to Berry Funeral Home of Shepherd.
