William A. Kaufmann

Born on April 14, 1931. Born to eternal life on November 17, 2024.  Son of the late William and Adele Kaufmann.  Brother of the late Robert Kaufmann and the late Donald Kaufmann. Former husband of the late Laverne (nee Rogahn).  Devoted father of Cheryl (late Roman) Sydor and Laurie and Linda Kaufmann.  Adoring grandfather (also known as “Munka”) of Jennifer (Eric) Pierson, Kaitlyn Scriven, and Kristin Scriven. Beloved great-grandfather of Joshua and Andrew Pierson.

Bill graduated from Boys Tech High School in Milwaukee, WI in 1949.  He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1950 and enjoyed a career that led to the position of Aviation Fire Control Technician and rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. He retired from the Navy in 1970 after service that included 13 posts of duty and nine deployments on five different aircraft carriers. Among the commendations and medals he earned were two battle stars from the Korean war, five battle stars from Vietnam, Expeditionary medal, and Navy Achievement medal.

After traveling the world with the Navy, Bill settled down in Milwaukee, WI and embarked on a 20-year career at Teledyne Mckay where he was promoted from Production Manager to Project Engineer to Plant Manager.  A notable accomplishment during this career was designing a machine that was patented. He retired from Teledyne in 1988.

Not one to sit around, Bill spent the next 25 years as a school bus driver for elementary schools in Waukesha and New Berlin, WI. During these years he was also involved in the condo association where he lived and oversaw maintenance projects and was their pool boy.  He enjoyed swimming, football, and watching history and military programs. He was quite the card shark and enjoyed playing games, a trait that was passed down to his family and they spent a lot of time together doing this.  However,  the most important and favorite thing to him was his family.

Per his wishes, there will be no funeral and Bill will be buried at sea with military honors.

Bill received wonderful care from the UW Health Cancer Center at ProHealth Care for six years. The family wishes to thank them, as well as Clement Manor and Allay Hospice, for providing loving care to Bill.