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Robert “Bob” Kaufman
February 27, 1936 – March 23, 2019
In Memory Of
Amber Zietz (granddaughter) says
On March 23, 2019, Robert “Bob†Lee Kaufman, surrounded by family, was reunited with his beloved wife, JoAnn.
         Bob was born February 27th 1936, to William and Josephine Kaufman in Chinook, MT. The family moved to Helena when he was ten. He was a respected man of many talents and skilled trades utilizing those throughout his life. He helped build the Canyon Ferry Dam and Interstate 15, to name a few. He taught masonry and other skilled trades at the Labors Union Training School before he retired at age 52.
         On November, 15th 1951, Bob married JoAnn Spurlock. Together they raised five children along with JoAnn’s younger sister, Bonnie. Bob’s family was his pride and joy. He was affectionately known as Papa and Great Papa to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bob’s love of family carried through in everything he did. From teaching his kids and grandkids the secrets to hunting and fishing; to spending weekends in the mountains camping with JoAnn, their kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.  In the 70’s Bob dabbled in the world of horse racing after his father gave him a few horses to train and run. Bob loved animals and was continuously surrounded by many, including his beloved horse Oly, who was with him for 42 years. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, but loved hunting even more. In 2014, at 78 years young, Bob finally drew the coveted 380 bull tag, to which he was successful. He proudly displayed the antlers on his living room wall.
          Bob survived by his children: Bob (Carla) Kaufman, Gail (Jim) Miller, Rusty (Kelli) Kaufman, Jerry (Trena) Kaufman, Corine Kaufman; Grandchildren: Buffy Miller, Shawn Kaufman, Shane (Sarah) Kaufman, Heidi Kaufman, Kyle Kaufman, Amber (Andy) Zietz, Beau (Danielle) Jackson, Nick (Cassie) Kaufman; Great-Grandchildren: Ryan & Ethan Kaufman, McKenna & Chase Zietz, Bodie & Brystal Kaufman, Ryder Jackson, Austin & Coco Kaufman, Hudsyn & Hallie Kaufman. He also survived by his sister-in-law Connie Mayer, brother-in-law K.C. Holman, and numerous nieces, nephews, & friends.
         Grave side services will be Friday, April 5th, 1 p.m. at Forestvale Cemetery.
Diana Hall says
My brother and husband (both named Mike) enjoyed working with Bob while he was with Cotton’s Housemoving. Both say he was a great guy! Hugs and prayers to all the family. Diana Cotton Hall
Shelly Horne says
Bob Kaufman was an amazing man who deeply touched the lives of anyone and everyone he came into contact with. I remember the first time I met Bob, I was with my husband Matt but at the time we were only dating, we have now been married for 35 years and I can tell you that every year Bob found a new way to touch our hearts. I would love to go into every detailed story between my family and Bob but that would take somewhere around the rest of my life. There are way to many stories to tell but I can tell you that he will be greatly missed. Matt’s father passed away when Matt was only a teenager and not having a father around was very difficult. However Bob stepped up and became a father figure in my husbands eyes, he was such an amazing, kind, and loving man. My husband will forever cherish the memory of helping Bob shoot his last branch bull in Thanksgiving weekend of 2017. I remember him telling me “I only have one weekend to find him a bull, Shelly I don’t know if I can do it” but that morning my husband said his usual prayers and prayed for success and low and behold they were successful and Bob filled his black tag. Little did we know it would be the last bull he shot. God was watching over Bob then and now our heavenly Father has gained one amazing angel to help him watch over us. I know he will never truly he gone in the peoples hearts that he touched. He will always be with us, always and forever in spirit.
Amber Zietz (granddaughter) says
Thank you for the wonderful stories of my grandfather. Please know everyone is welcome to the graveside services.