Robert “Bobby” Patrick Kauffman of Fountain Hills, AZ, passed away on Friday, Nov. 13, 2020 at the Mayo Clinic Hospital surrounded by his loving children.
Bob was 58 years old, born July 12, 1962 in Emmetsburg, to Don and Pat Kauffman. Bobby loved his home town of Emmetsburg and growing up on the “Rasslin Acres” farm south of town.
He attended Emmetsburg Community Schools graduating with the class of 1981. During this time he played E-Hawk football and wrestled. He placed a number of times at state wrestling and won a State Championship in 1981. Bob then went for a short time to University of Iowa recruited by Dan Gable and then transferred from there to Edinboro University in Pennsylvania where he graduated. There he became a National Champion and later was inducted into their Wrestling Hall of Fame.
After graduation Bob moved to Arizona and eventually pursued a real estate license where he joined his brother Dan’s business, Kauffman Homes Real Estate and Development.
But Bob’s most treasured accomplishment were his three children and being involved in their school years, attending Kylee’s plays, and dance, encouraging her talent in artistic make-up, and the boys football and wrestling activities. He volunteered to help coach high school wrestling and saw his sons also become state place winners and win a state championship. Bob loved coaching wrestling and encouraging youth to this sport bringing his Iowa work ethic and dedication to the sport of wrestling to see each team member reach their potential.
Bobby was always known for being an athlete, working out daily, mountain biking, hiking, snowboarding and participating in tri-atholons, even in his 50’s. He loved his Iowa Hawkeyes and didn’t miss watching a Hawkeye football game even coming back last October to attend a game in person with his sons which was on his bucket list! He also continued to support collegiate wrestling, watching every event he could.
Bob is survived by his three children, Kylee, Parker and Leyton and their mother Julie of Fountain Hills, AZ; his siblings, Gary (Karen) of Emmetsburg, Deb (Rodney) of Iowa City, Jim (Vicki) of Brownsdale, MN, Kevin (Christie) of Castle Rock, CO and Dan (Bev) of Franktown, CO. He also leaves nieces and nephews who loved their “super cool and always funny” Uncle Bob.
Bob, you left us all too soon Baby Brother but leave us with so many memories.
Bob made friends wherever he went and that was evident in the many people across the nation who prayed for him during this last wrestling match of his life. The Kauffman family is forever grateful to all for their support, recalling memories of Bob and words of kindness.
Due to COVID, a memorial service for Bob will be held in Emmetsburg at a later date.
