Obituary of Jon David Kauffmann

Jon David Kauffmann passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving wife, Neeley, and family, on March 11, 2021, in Medina, Minnesota, following a brave 12-month battle with occupational cancer (brain cancer-glioblastoma).

On June 23, 1980, Jon was born in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, to his devoted parents, Steve and Carla Kauffmann.  He grew up in Hanover, Minnesota, with his brother, Adam and sister, Molly; where he spent his childhood riding dirt bikes and wakeboarding with friends.  Jon graduated from Buffalo High School in 1998.

Following high school, Jon attended St. Cloud State University, where he received his pilot license and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in travel and tourism. While attending St. Cloud State, he competed on their downhill ski team.

After graduating from college, Jon lived in Florida, where he worked on sailboats.  During his time in Florida, Jon’s passion for being on the water was ignited. He was in his happy place, spending each day sailing.

When Jon moved back to the Minneapolis area, he started his career as a firefighter. Jon served on the Plymouth Fire Department for ten years and served as a firefighter on the Metropolitan Airports Commission Fire Department for almost ten years until his passing.   While serving as a firefighter, Jon dedicated himself to saving lives and helping those in need.  Through his years in the fire service, Jon felt honored to work alongside a fantastic group of men and women.

While working full-time as a firefighter, Jon also worked as a caretaker and property manager for a wonderful family. During this time, Jon lived in and maintained properties where he put his handyman skills to use. He felt truly blessed and grateful for these opportunities.

Jon’s zest for life and positive energy was contagious. He seized each day to its fullest. From the time he woke up to the time he went to bed, you would find Jon either doing house projects, caretaking, working out, or engaging in his hobbies.  His list of hobbies is never-ending, but he enjoyed boating, paddleboard racing, scuba diving, pickleball, skiing, and traveling the most.

True to his character, Jon’s positive attitude remained unchanged in the face of his diagnosis. The strength of character and grace he displayed over the last year was nothing short of amazing and has been an inspiration to all who had the honor of knowing and loving him. Jon was a wonderful husband, son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew, and beloved friend to many. He will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts. 

Preceded in death by grandparents, Richard Kauffmann & Willard and Carnell Brumitt, and aunt, Carrie Schmitz.

Survived by wife, Neeley Kauffmann; parents, Steve and Carla Kauffmann; sister, Molly Kauffmann (Ben Kartak); brother, Adam (Rondi) Kauffmann; grandmother, Janet Kauffmann; and many loving and supportive aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephew.

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 27 at 11:00 am with a visitation starting at 10:00 am at Church of the Open Door 9060 Zanzibar Ln N, Maple Grove, MN 55311

For Memorial Contributions, please consider donating to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network