Gary M. Kaufman

Gary Martin Kaufman, 86, passed away in Rockford, Illinois on November 9, 2023. Born on October 23, 1937, in Heartwell, Nebraska, son to Martin L. and Ruth (Boone) Kaufman. His first accomplishment was to become an eagle scout. He then went on to graduate with a B.A. from Hastings College and advanced his education with a PhD from Ohio State in Organic Chemistry. He married Sonya Nuetzman in 1958 and they raised four children, Suzanne (Mike) Partch, Jennifer Echert, Christpher Kaufman, and Rebecca (Mark) Clausen. He is predeceased by the mother of his children, Sonya and his sister, Virginia (Kaufman) Alexander Eckers.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Maryann (Alverson) Leonard; his children and grandchildren Katelyn Partch; Nathaniel Larson; Audrey and Brigitte Kaufman; Michael, Andrew and Juliana Clausen; numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation rites have been accorded with Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Road, Rockford, Illinois 61103. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ United Methodist Church or to Habitat for Humanity. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com