Jeffrey Alan Kaufman

Jeffrey Alan Kaufman passed away suddenly at his home in Madison, WI at the age of 72 on April 16, 2024. He was born July 19, 1951 in Los Angeles, CA to Sanford and Shirley (Pearlman) Kaufman.  He attended community college and later transferred to UCLA for an advanced degree. Most of his working years were spent in various aspects of collections.  

In 1996, he met Sharon Oncken, through a pen-pal service and they married the following year in Madison. 

Jeff was an avid sports fan, ranging from college football and basketball to the NFL and MLB.  He often had a difficult time deciding which teams to follow, especially with the MLB, but ultimately the Dodgers, Orioles, and Guardians were at the top of his list.  Last season, he predicted the Texas Rangers to win The World Series, and he was correct!  His prediction for this year is the Padres, so we will see how that unfolds.  Jeff and Sharon enjoyed going to Brewer games, but Jeff would only cheer on the Brewers if they were not playing one of his teams.   

Jeff's other interests included collecting books, particularly relating to history, languages, classics, religions, and anything else that piqued his drive for knowledge.  The past couple years, he dove into all things fountain pens, especially those he could have custom made. He also had a great love and appreciation for art.  Through all his interests and hobbies, he made many friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon; his children; Esther, Sholom, Avromi, and Elana; his grandchildren, Raquel, Nava, Merav, Sara, Yoni, Atara, Aiden, Anat, Azriel, Amram, Anael, Devorah, Eliezer, Akiva, Yitzchak, Yehuda, Aharon, Rochel, Safira and Laila; as well as his great-grandchildren, Zehava and Leah. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sanford and Shirley; and his dear sister, Paula.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at the Winn-Cress Funeral Home, 5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee, WI. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. A private burial was held.

The family will designate a memorial at a later date.

 "Do you hear the people sing Lost in the valley of the night?  It is the music of a people Who are climbing to the light. For the wretched of the earth There is a flame that never dies. Even the darkest night will end And the sun will rise."  Victor Hugo. 

Please share your memories of Jeff here on his tribute wall.

Winn-Cress Funeral Home

5785 Hwy Q

Waunakee, WI