Kathryn Esther (Barnes) Kaufman, 93, of Seward County, passed away Jan. 16, 2024, after three years of treatment for multiple myeloma.
Kathryn was born May 24, 1930, in Lincoln, to Inez Fern (Aspinwall) and Thomas Francis Barnes. She notes in her written timeline that she first laughed out loud at her mother on Aug. 5, 1930, “and she’s been laughing ever since.” From this early start, Kathryn led a life filled with humor, kindness, music, and unfailing positivity.
After graduating from Lincoln High School in 1948, she studied piano and voice at UN-L for two years, then went to work for Lincoln Telephone and Telegraph as an operator. Following this, she worked at Dietz Music store, then became a PA for Dr. Fred Hathaway, where she worked until the birth of her first son.
She met Lloyd George Kaufman of Home, Kansas, during the summer of 1956 and they were married in October of that year.
In Lincoln, Kathryn and Lloyd raised a family of two boys, several cats, dogs, turtles and an iguana (who moved on to Antelope Zoo). Kathryn returned to UN-L and graduated in 1974 with a BS in Education from the Teachers College. Meanwhile, Lloyd quit his job at Nebraska Book Store and earned his law degree from UN-L, graduating in 1974.
In 1976, the family moved to Lexington, where Lloyd began his law career and Kathryn taught school at the district 6 country school until its closure in 1979. When Lloyd retired as Dawson County judge in 1999, Kathryn and Lloyd moved to an acreage in Seward County, where they built a hilltop home. Kathryn loved the quiet life there, the beautiful sunsets, but also visits from her wonderful neighbors’ three boys.
Kathryn had a love of classical music, especially Baroque, and this was the soundtrack for her later years. Her cat Gigi’s favorites were reportedly Bach’s French Suites. Her agile and creative mind led her to learn multiple musical instruments. Her latest instrument was the ukulele, which she took up at 90. After attending a concert by the Ukeladies at Loma Tavern, she ordered her own instrument the very next day.
She also produced a collection of sculpture, drawings and watercolor paintings. Her painting skills extended to a pair of hand-painted Converse All-Stars which always got a double take from newcomers. Her sculptures and paintings now adorn friends’ homes worldwide and will certainly give a lift in spirit when they remind everyone of her humor and joy of life.
She is survived by her son, Paul and wife, Karla (Kempf) and grandchildren, Daniel and Hannah Kaufman of Wickenburg, Arizona; son, Dirk and wife, Kari Sigerson and grandchild, Eva Kaufman of Brooklyn, New York; and godson, Jack Marsh of Lincoln. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Kaufman; parents; and brothers, Francis, Bryce, and Ronald.
Memorial contributions are suggested on behalf of Kathryn to Capital Humane Society, Lincoln, at CapitalHumaneSociety.org. Arrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
