Charles Kauffman

Charles E. "Charlie" Kauffman, 79, Altoona, died Wednesday morning at Van Zandt VA Medical Center. He was born in Altoona, son of William H. Sr. and Mary F. (Halton) Kauffman. He married Shirley G. Skipper in Altoona, and she died on Sept. 4, 2007. Surviving are a brother, Sheldon R. and wife, Connie, of Juniata; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and Donald Kauffman, who was raised in Charles' home. He was preceded in death by five siblings: Paul, Phyllis and William H. Kauffman Jr., Florine Benton and Gertrude Kenney. Charlie was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Korean conflict, where he received a Purple Heart, and he was discharged in 1954. He retired as a clothing salesman from Westfalls and previously had worked for Richmond Bros. He was a life member of the Frohsinn Singing Society; Marine Corps League, Mountain Cities Detachment, Altoona; and Disabled American Veterans. Charlie enjoyed singing and spending time with his family. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, 2011, at Mauk & Yates Funeral Home Inc., Juniata (www.maukandyates.com), where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross.