MADELYN RENEE KAUFMAN
Madelyn Renee Kaufman ran into the arms of Jesus on Friday, November 21st, at the age of 8, surrounded by family. Maddie was born on February 1st, 2017, in
Newton, KS, and is the oldest child of Jayson and Andrea Kaufman (Klassen) of Moundridge. She is a beloved older sister to Makenna (4), Colton (2), and her baby sister, who will join their family in February.
Maddie is survived by her loving grandparents, Dale and Christine Kaufman of
Moundridge, KS, Kim and Beth Kaufman of
Newton, KS, and Sheldon and Robyn Klassen of Wichita, KS. Maddie is also survived by loving great-grandparents, aunts and uncles, and many cousins who have been great friends to her.
Maddie was a third-grade student at Moundridge Elementary School and a member of Newspring Church, where she chose to be baptized this past July. She loved Jesus, and since she was a toddler, she frequently talked about the Bible and what heaven would be like. Maddie had an infectious laugh and a natural gift for making people feel special. She was spunky, sweet, and was almost always giggling. She shone the light of Jesus so brightly to those around her. Her favorite hobbies were softball, swimming, baking, crafting, playing with animals, making up dances, and being with her friends and family.
Maddie was diagnosed with DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) on October 1st, 2024. Throughout her 13 1/2 month long battle, she faced many challenges... but never complained about having DIPG. She had to relearn how to walk 3 times, lost control over her dominant hand, lost the ability to walk, and eventually talk as well. While DIPG slowly took away all of her bodily functions, it never took away her spirit. Less than a week before she passed, she maintained her stance that DIPG was "no big deal" and told her parents she still had joy
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations on behalf of Maddie to be sent to Nora's Sparkle of Love Project. Being DIPG-focused - this foundation is special to Maddie's family. Please add "In honor of Maddie" to the notes/comments portion of your donation.
https://www.norassparkleofloveproject.com
A celebration of life service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Moundridge High School Gymnasium. Memorial contributions may be made to Nora's Sparkle of Love Project (memo: in honor of Maddie) directly on their website at
https://www.norassparkleofloveproject.com or by cards, and condolences may be sent to Moundridge Funeral Home, PO Box 410,
Moundridge, KS 67107
Published by The Kansan from Nov. 24 to Nov. 29, 2025.