Obituary
Matthew Robert Kaufmann
Matthew Robert Kaufmann, 59, of La Crosse, passed away on May 11, 2024 in his home. He was born on June 27th, 1964 to Roger & Elaine Kaufmann. Matthew never married but was a loving man with his significant other Maureen Kelly.
Matthew AKA “PUFFA”. If you knew Matt a day with Puffa was a great day without it then it was just a rainy day. Matts nickname is a reference to a cereal product from the late 60s “PUFFA PUFFA RICE”. He loved it and would eat it like there was no tomorrow.
He was the youngest of six children. In his early adulthood Matt had just like anyone else made some bad choices but who didn’t. During that time, he did not stay close to family and friends.
After many years and getting over those hurdles in life Matt returned home to La Crosse. He did his best to reunite and reconnect with everyone close to him. He did not waste a minute more to start again enjoying simple things in life and the beauty around him.
He was an artist extraordinaire, the more detailed the better. The natural beauty and appreciation for what it had to offer in his hometown from kayaking, camping, hiking and fishing.
He was a proud man, always helpful to anyone who needed him. He could fix it all by being a jack of many trades in his life. Learning from anything and everything, improvising and creating things to make it work. Matthew was friendly and always cracking jokes staying light hearted. If you needed the shirt off his back, he would hand it over.
Not only as a brother, a friend and an uncle but as the unique person he was he will be missed. Besides being quite reserved in sharing treasures if you happen to have the fortune to get one of his pieces of artwork, please enjoy it! There is so much more that can be said about Matt but his life will carry on through the memories we have made with him.
He is survived by all the Kaufmanns, Kurt (Marla) in La Crosse, Tamara in Kentucky, Christopher in La Crosse, Mark (Paula) in Onalaska, his partner Maureen Kelly in La Crosse, and many other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Rober and Elaine, eldest brother R.C, Jr. “Rick”, and everyone’s friend Marlene Grabon.
A gathering of his family and friends will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 10:00 am to Noon at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St., Onalaska.
The family would like to thank Coulee Region Cremation Group, Charmaine for her personality and making a difficult time seamless and pleasant. In Lieu of flowers, memorial are preferred to Brice Prairie Conservation Club.
Puffa, u will be missed- high school would have never been the same without u! RIP. Enjoy your wings!
Fly High Puffa ❤️ enjoy the eternal peace we all hope to find someday.
RIP Puffa, Mark Loomis
Rest In Paradise my dear friend. Until we meet again Puffa!
R.I.P. Puffa Fly High My Friend ~Until We Meet Again. Puffa I feel like I just saw you not to long ago and you gave me a big hug and you told me you would never forget about me. I should of Asked you then if I should write you another 42+ page letter. Lol To add to the Book lol You will Truly Be Missed Sending My Condolences to The Kaufmann
Family/Friends
RIP ….. sending hugs & prayers to Maureen & family…
Sorry to hear Matt is gone. I remember the nights we worked together, many years ago, were always fun. He had a good soul.
Mark, wish I could have visited today. Hugs to you.
And condolences to all the family. Hold on to the good memories.
Rest In Peace Mathew we had a lot of great times growing up on the Prairie thoughts and prayers are with the family and Maureen Godspeed my friend.
I am so saddened to just be hearing of Matthew’s passing. I spent a lot of time with him along with Marlene. He was a good soul and will be greatly missed.