November 3, 1917 ~ July 19, 2014
A celebration of life service for Russell Reese Kauffman will be held at 1:30pm, August 8, 2014 at Indiana Funeral Care and Crematory, Harry Moore Chapel, 8151 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46250. A memorial service is also planned for November 8, 2014 in Ft. Myers, FL. Details will be updated as they become available.
Russell Reese Kauffman is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. On Saturday evening, July 19, 2014 Russ peacefully left Ft. Myers, Florida and entered into Heaven where he will live for all of eternity. He is more alive now than he ever was in his 96 years on earth.
Russ was born November 3, 1917 to Foster Ross and Jane (Reese) Kauffman. He grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania. In 1941, he graduated from Nyack Bible College, Nyack, New York. Upon graduation, he moved to Union City, Pennsylvania where as pastor he started a new church – The Union City Gospel Tabernacle.
Russ married Neva Muriel Persons in 1941. They had five children: Reese Kauffman (Sanibel, FL), Nerus McEwen (Palm Beach Gardens, FL) Jill John (Gilbert, AZ), Terri Politan (Scottsdale, AZ,), and Kimber Kauffman (Indianapolis, IN.). Sadly, many years later Russ and Neva were divorced.
In 1945, Russ and his family moved to Indianapolis, Indiana where he pastored Hope Church, the Christian Missionary Alliance church at 10th and Park. As the church grew, it moved to a larger facility at 51st and Central Avenue; and later, a new building was built at 98th and Haverstick Road. While in Indianapolis, Russ graduated from Butler University.
Russ by both word and deed taught his children to love God’s Word and to love foreign missions. He also taught them to love the water and all water activities – swimming, boating, skiing.
In the mid-1980’s Russ married Frances Anne Burke. Russ was a stepfather to Suzanne Perry (Noblesville), Dr. Brent Burke (Indianapolis), and Cindy Goldsmith (Orland Park, IL). Russ and Anne moved to Ft. Myers, Florida where they ministered leading Bible studies. He continued teaching the Word of God for an additional 25 years. He formally stepped down from teaching and preaching after his 90th birthday, but Russ never stopped sharing the Word.
Throughout his entire ministry he had a strong passion for Jesus Christ and for His Word. The Great Commission was at the center of all he preached. He would often say, “Everyone should have at least one chance to hear of God’s saving grace before others have many chances.” He spoke widely around the country on the Biblical basis for foreign missions. The highlight of the year at the churches that he led was the missionary conference.
In Russ’ later years, two characteristic were very noticeable in him. He remained outward focused in caring for and being interested in others. And he had a true contentment even as it became more difficult for him to live.
No one could be around Russ for long before the conversation turned to God’s Word and the Lord Jesus Christ. He continued to witness about his savior to the last week of his life. Russ is now joyfully once again seeing – hundreds who are in heaven with him because God used him to point them to Jesus.
This was Russ’ favorite Bible passage. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2) KJV
Russ was predeceased by his father, mother, sister and wife. He leaves behind his five children, 3 step children, eleven grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren.
Russell Kauffman was a blessing to his family and all who knew him during his lifetime. He continues to be a blessing even after his death because as it says in Proverbs 10:7 – “The memory of the righteous is a blessing.”
Through the involvement of Russ’ children with Child Evangelism Fellowship, he developed a love for the ministry. In lieu of flowers donations made be made to: Child Evangelism Fellowship Inc., P.O. Box 348, Warrenton, MO 63383.
A second memorial service will take place on November 11, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Siesta Bay in Fort Myers, Florida.
Tim and Barbara Noe says
The last verse of scripture he left with me was:
“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law.” Deuteronomy 29:29 NASB. He gave it as an admonition to always be learning and following the Word of God. He was always listening to the Bible on CD as I had the privilege of talking with him on the phone several times in recent years. His prayers and admonition are gratefully acknowledged and are a great inspiration to me. Our prayers are with Pastor Russell Kauffman’s family.
David Bachelder says
I met Russ when I first became involved in CEF of Indianapolis in the late seventies. He was a gracious, kind and gentle man who loved God. I never talked with him but he had encouraging words to say and a great smile. Praying for peace and comfort to all the family who have lost a godly man, great father and grandfather.
Dave Bachelder
Steve & Virginia Johnson Family says
Thank you to the Lord for allowing Russ to be an encouragement to our family through the years. God has worked through the life of Russ to bring the Gospel to many. He has been such an enourager to the staff of Child Evangelism Fellowship around the world. May the comforting arms of our Heavenly Father surround the Kauffman family during these days.
George & Sandra says
Sandra and I had the good fortune to be married on the beach on Captiva by Russ in 2005. Russ and Anne were very dear to us, and with Russ joining the Lord, he will be truly missed. He was an inspiration to those who had the good fortune to meet him.
George Hanst
Henry and Bea John says
Our first meeting with Pastor Russ was at a church service in palmetto Palms campground church service and his Bible sermon was so good we went to his Bible study the following Wed. at Siesta Bay campground. He had the best Bible study we had ever attended thru the years. He was so friendly and showed us so much love and visited us on the farm in Il. and preached at our home church. We also attended his morning and evening services in Siesta bay church. We will always remember the good and precious times we had with him in church and in his home & car rides.
He will be missed but we will meet him in Heaven when the Lord calls us. Bea and Henry John
Thomas E Burke says
I will be unable to join you for the Memorial Service on Friday August 8th but want to express my condolences with the home going of Russell. He must be knowing great joy in meeting his Lord! I have enjoyed many phone conversations with him over the years and always with great blessing. He never missed an opportunity to be a spiritual encourager. My prayers are with all of you as you mark his passing and remember his encouragement to each of you. Your entire family has been a great blessing to us!
Tom and Rita Burke
Maury Fikes says
I will always be grateful for the day Russ and I met providentially in November, 1983, after being some 25 years of being out of touch. Russ officially introduced me to Rufus Dodrill who was then building a new trailer park in the area. He wanted the facility to have a Bible study, church, and missionary program. Russ and Ann had just moved close by. Russ was willing to be involved but needed help with the music and ministry. That was the beginning of 25 years of establishing the Siesta Bay church. Dozens came to Christ, thousands of dollars to support some 45 missionaries, and a retirement ministry
that we have all treasured.
Russ was a man of God and of the Word. I cannot imagine the welcome he received at the “pearly gates” of heaven. I hope to join him soon. May we ALL be ready for his coming.