Gary Lynn Kaufman

Gary Lynn Kaufman, of Lenexa, KS passed away on August 9, 2024 at the age of 81. Gary was born January 21, 1943 to Alfred M. and Elsie (Zerger) Kaufman in McPherson, Kansas. He grew up on the family farm, just east of McPherson with his brother Robert. Gary spent his elementary days at Centennial and graduated from McPherson High School in 1961. He was baptized at Eden Mennonite Church in Moundridge, Kansas on May 17, 1959.
Gary attended Bethel College for one year (1961-1962) and then returned home to take classes at McPherson College while working as a welder. He registered as a conscientious objector and took a 2-year 1W assignment at Denver General Hospital from 1963-1965. Gary completed his assignment at Denver General and moved back home. He briefly worked for Hesston Corporation fixing swathers before heading off to the Kansas Technical Institute in Salina, Kansas (now part of Kansas State). They were at the forefront of computer technology. Gary obtained his associates degree in Computer Science Technology in 1968. He then moved to Kansas City and started working as a computer programmer for Butler Manufacturing Co., where he worked for a whopping 43 years, until 2011.
On July 25, 1970, Gary married Katherine Regier at Halstead Mennonite Church. They celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary just a few weeks ago. The couple enjoyed working together throughout the years on various projects, including putting together a Heathkit TV, refinishing and reupholstering furniture, shingling their house, and fixing cars. Gary shared his many talents and strong work ethic with their two children, David and Jennifer.
Gary was a member of Rainbow Mennonite Church, which was a vital part of his life. He spent many years as a church Trustee and took part in several Mennonite Disaster Service trips, including a trip to Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina.
Gary had a love of cars, especially BMWs that he could repair on his own when needed. He helped build a race car with a group of friends and spent many weekends at Lakeside Speedway and I-70 Speedway. He loved to tend to his yard and spent his retired years mowing lawns in his neighborhood. He enjoyed traveling throughout his life and in his later years he especially enjoyed visiting family and friends across the country. When visiting his grandchildren, he always had something to teach them.
He is survived by his wife, Katherine; son, David and grandchildren Benjamin, Elise and Joshua; and daughter, Jennifer Borcherding (Scott) and grandchildren Lincoln and Adelyn. Preceding him in death were his parents; brother Robert Kaufman; and niece Crystal Kaufman.
Graveside services will be held at 11:30 a.m., Friday, August 16, 2024 at Eden Mennonite Church Cemetery, rural Moundridge, KS. A luncheon will follow the burial at the church. Memorial services will take place at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 17, at Rainbow Mennonite Church, Kansas City, KS, with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mennonite Disaster Relief Fund or Rainbow Mennonite Church in care of Moundridge Funeral Home, PO Box 410, Moundridge, KS 67107.