Stanley A. Kaufman

KAUFMAN

Stanley A.

Stan Kaufman, 89, of Plantation, Florida and previously of Bowling Green, Ohio passed away on September 25, 2012. His wife, Blanche, predeceased him in 1973 and his son Keith predeceased him in 1993. He is survived by his wife, Annetta, of 36 years and his children, Anthony Kaufman and Pam (Allen) Heringhaus of Bowling Green. Also surviving him are children, Suzie (Tom) Paul, Michael (Donna) Paul, Cathy Moyal and Larry Leathers as well as 16 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was born in new Cleveland, Ohio to Louie and Philomina (Schroeder) Kaufman. He was the last survivor of his family of brothers Jim (Mae) (Bryan, Ohio), Fritz (McClure, Ohio), and Paul (Leipsic, Ohio), and sister, Rita "Weeky" Meyer. His life exemplified "the greatest generation." He grew up on a farm during Prohibition and the Great Depression. After his family lost their farm in the depression, they moved to Leipsic, Ohio where Stan attended high school and played football. He showed his entrepreneurial spirit while still in high school by selling donuts door-to-door. After graduation, he joined the Steelworkers and traveled south to find work. He then answered the call to duty for World War II by enlisting in the Navy. He served as a SeaBee and traveled to Pearl Harbor and Okinawa.

After leaving the service, he and his wife Blanche (Zink) opened a bar and grill in Weston, Custar and Bowling Green, Ohio. They expanded their business to open the first fine dining and banquet facility in Bowling Green at the Holiday Inn in 1965. There were many Kaufman establishments in northwest Ohio as his dad and brothers also operated taverns and restaurants in the area. The Kaufman name was synonymous with quality food and hospitality.

Eventually his children joined him in the business as it continued to grow and include the Bowling Green Country Club and Kaufman's at the Lodge. Stan was a part owner of Howards and the Redwood in Bowling Green and also owned the Texan Steak House in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Over the years he and his wife Blanche met many people and developed many relationships with customers and employees. He and his wife Annetta continued to maintain close friendships in Bowling Green and the Fort Lauderdale area. The business relationships became an extended family and continued to enjoy those contacts over the years.

In addition to his business interests, he felt a strong commitment to the community. He supported many civic and community organizations. He was a founding member and president of the local Lions Club, charter member of the Falcon Club; Elks, American Legion, BG Chamber of Commerce, Bowling Green Country Club, Fort Lauderdale Country Club, and member of St. Aloysius and St. Gregory churches. He helped to establish St. Aloysius School and he was supportive and participated in the renovation of downtown BG. He was always interested in helping to improve the community and helping people succeed.

He was an avid golfer and card player. He enjoyed the camaraderie and competition of the games. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and traveling.

The family will welcome friends at a celebration of life at the BG Country Club on October 21, 2012, from 1 to 3 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wood County Humane Society, Wood County District Public Library or BG PeeWee League.