Theodore Kaufman

Theodore (Ted) John Kaufman, 73, of Sebeka, MN, died peacefully on Friday, December 20, 2024.Ted was born in Fargo, ND in 1951 to George and Agnes Kaufman. 

He graduated from New York Mills high school in 1969 and then received an Associates of Arts in Electronic Technology at Southwest State University in 1971.

In 1971, he married Jane Ellen Bernu in Bluffton, MN. They were married until her death on March 10, 2019.After college, Ted worked as a Production Engineer at Control Data Corporation (CDC). The plant he worked in produced custom electronic and electro-mechanical controls. From 1973 to 1979, Ted worked at Wyard Industries as Chief Engineer in Forest Lake, MN. This company produced custom packaging and material handling equipment.

Ted and Jane purchased the hardware store in Sebeka in 1979. Ted expanded his skills for the business, becoming licensed in furnace and air-conditioning installation and repair. He fixed small engines, was a licensed plumber, and was also a federal firearms dealer. They eventually purchased a second hardware store in Menahga, MN. Ted was an active member of the community both in the Lion's Club and Sebeka City Council.Ted was an avid fisherman, fishing at many lakes in the area and taking frequent trips to Canada. He enjoyed angling, spearing and ice fishing with family and friends. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting deer, turkey, duck, and grouse.

Ted was preceded in death by his wife Jane Ellen Kaufman, and his parents George and Agnes Kaufman. He is survived by his sons, Michael, Daniel (Katie), and Mark, grandson Harvey, his three sisters Donna Cushman, Verna Kaufman and Gail (Jon) Neufeld, and many nieces and nephews.