Leon Kaufman

OTTOVILLE -- Leon Theodore Kaufman, age 91, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025, at his son's home. Leon was born on July 14, 1934 in Leipsic, Ohio to the late Lawrence and Esther Kaufman. On May 9, 1959 he married the late Marilyn (Hazelton) Kaufman, who passed away in 2019.

Leon is survived by five sons: Jeff (Beth) of Powell, Eric (Lisa) of Mount Vernon, Scott (Kathy) of Toledo, Todd (Melissa) of Rockford, and Darren (Kathy) of Kalida; one daughter: Kelly Croy (Morgan Peffley) of Defiance; twenty grandchildren: Ryan (Aprell), Alysia (Elliott), Nathan (Maddy), Laura, Joel (Lindsay), Brooke, Megan, Justin, Jordan (Kristen), Michael (Alyson), Rachel, Ben (Kalyn), Kristen (Kellen), Kaela (Brian), Luke, Danny (Katie), Brad, Paige (Jerred), Jake (Jenna), and Elise; and 16 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 3 sisters Marilyn (Ron) Horstman, Janet (Ron) Siefker and Sharon (Carl) Schierloh and one brother: Larry (Dawn).

He was preceded in death by one sibling: Doris; a grandson: Kyle; and two great-grandchildren: Alexandria and Owen.

After graduating from Miller City High School, Leon proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. While stationed in southeast Michigan, he often recalled one of his favorite perks of military life-receiving free admission to Detroit Tigers games.

Following his service, Leon attended barber school and briefly worked as a barber before moving his family to Ottoville in the mid-1960s. There, he began a four-decade career with Chrysler in Van Wert and Toledo.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Leon played both basketball and baseball in high school and continued to play softball for many years-in the Army, in local men's leagues, and even in tournaments alongside his grown sons. In later years, he especially appreciated watching his grandchildren compete, traveling across the state with Marilyn to cheer them on in every sport imaginable.

Leon loved both the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Detroit Tigers. His fandom permeates throughout his family to not only his children and their spouses but also to many of his grandchildren as well. True to form, he made it a priority to watch Tigers games throughout this season, even in his final days.

Above all, Leon loved his family and friends. He and Marilyn delighted in hosting holidays, filling their home with warmth and laughter. He enjoyed family trips, ball games, visits to the Ottoville VFW, and lunches at the Fort Jennings Legion. Wherever he went, Leon found his happiness in good company, good conversation, and making memories with those he loved most.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 29, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville with Very Reverend George Mahas officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, with military rites by the Ottoville VFW and Ft. Jennings American Legion Visitation will be Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m. at Love-Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Jackson Township, with a scripture service beginning at 1:45 p.m., and on Friday from 9 to 10 a.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ohioans Hospice of Perrysburg, Ronald McDonald House, or a charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences can be expressed at: www.lovefuneralhome.com.