Jerry Kaufman

Jerry L Kaufman, 60 of Decatur, IL, passed away Wed June 29th at 5:35 A.M. with his wife Andrea, Daughter Ashley, and Son Jason by his side. He fought a long and brave battle with cancer including a clinical trial in which he was the only participant in the country. His wish was that this would help others cure this type of cancer. Jerry was always thinking of other people before himself.Jerry was born December 3rd, 1955 in Decatur, IL, son of Clarence Robert and Evelyn June (Rucker) Kaufman. He married Andrea Gnavi on September 26th, 1981 in Mt. Zion, IL Jerry graduated Salutatorian from Mt. Zion High School and earned a Bachelor Degree of Business Administration from the U of I. Jerry also held several Associate Degrees in Electronics and Energy Distribution. He was a member of Sigma Beta Delta and Phi Beta Kappa. Jerry loved his job as Senior Training Supervisor for Ameren where he was employed for 35 years. Jerry was very passionate about the field of electric metering. He played a key role in developing and administering training for polyphase metering which allowed apprentices an opportunity to obtain a certificate from Richland Community College and an Associates of Applied Sciences - Energy Distribution Technology. Jerry was a quiet kind man who always had a smile and kind words for everyone. He loved “tinkering” in his garage and working outdoors, but most of all he loved his family. He celebrated 34 wonderful years of marriage with his wife Andrea. He was most proud of his daughter Ashley and son Jason. The greatest joys of his life were his grandchildren Mackenzie and Chase.He is survived by his wife Andrea Kaufman of Decatur, mother Evelyn Kaufman of Decatur, daughter Ashley Grammer and husband Matthew of Decatur, son Jason Parker and fiancée Alicia Reed of O’Fallon, MO, sister Rita Flynn (Bill) of Tavares, FL, Rhonda Morrell of Decatur, IL, brother Bob Kaufman (Kathy) of Decatur, IL, granddaughter Mackenzie Lynn Grammer, grandson Chase Matthew Grammer; One daughter from a previous marriage Rebecca Balvanz and five grandchildren; Special friends Bill and Gloria Moss. He was preceded in death by his father Clarence “Bob” Kaufman and in-laws Dorothy and Alex Gnavi.The family would like to thank Dr. James L. Wade III, M.D. and the nurses at Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois, especially Lynnette.Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM, July 6th at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home Decatur. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM Tuesday, July 5th, at the funeral home. Burial will be in North Fork Cemetery Decatur.Memorials may be made to Cancer Care Specialists of Central Illinois. "
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