Thomas Frederick Kauffman's Obituary
Thomas Frederick Kauffman, 86, of Harrison Township, MI, passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at his home surrounded by family. Tom’s family will welcome friends and loved ones at noon for the visitation on Friday, November 28, 2025, at St. Joseph Shrine Catholic Church in Brooklyn, MI. The Mass of Christian Burial service will begin at 1:00 P.M. Fr. Zack Mabee will serve as celebrant. Interment will take place at St. Joseph Shrine Cemetery.
He was born on October 11, 1939, in Alpena, MI, to Earl and Freda (Bey) Kauffman. Tom graduated from Catholic Central High School in Alpena, MI, in 1958, where he was a three-sport athlete. He grew up in Presque Isle and spent much time at Grand Lake. He married the love of his life, Delores (Dusty) Ann Osborn, on April 20, 1963, in Las Vegas, Nevada, at St. Joan of Arc Church. Tom proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1959 to 1963. It was during his time serving at China Lake that he and Dusty met.
He attended and graduated from Madonna University with a Bachelor of Science Degree, and Detroit Mercy University with a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Tom spent 25 years working at the Detroit Police Department as a police officer. Afterward, he worked at Detroit Children’s Hospital for nine years in security. While at Children’s Hospital, he met several Red Wings hockey players and even got to hold the Stanley Cup.
Tom always dreamed of living in a log home. They built their dream home outside of Brooklyn, MI, on ten acres of land. During this time, Tom worked at Knutson’s Sporting Goods. Tom has life-long member status at the American Legion of Onsted, Post 550. He was a dedicated hunter and loved to be outdoors. He was also an avid fan of Detroit sports, especially of the Red Wings where he had season tickets for twenty years. He and Dusty saw the Red Wings win two Stanley Cup Championships. He often remarked on how deafening and energetic crowd was.
In 2009, Tom and Dusty took their dream vacation, an Alaskan cruise, which they considered the best vacation they ever had. Tom was a devoted and loving husband, as well as a hard-working father.
Tom will be missed by his wife of 62 years, Dusty Kauffman; his children, Troy (Cheryl) Kauffman of Harrison Township, MI, Anthony (Deborah) Kauffman of Mahomet, IL, and Melody Stone of Okemos, MI; 11 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Freda Kauffman; and his siblings, Elaine, Richard, Howard and Lois.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Salvation Army. Please leave a message of comfort for Tom’s family or sign his guestbook at https://www.EinederFuneralHomes.com.
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