Calvin Kaufman

Calvin “Cal” R. Kaufman, age 84, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on January 5, 1941, in Appleton, Wisconsin, Cal was the son of Rayburn and Viola (Janke) Kaufman. Cal graduated from Appleton West High School and continued his education at the Appleton School of Business. Cal began a 37-year career with Consolidated Papers, working in Appleton, Adams-Friendship and later in Wisconsin Rapids, where he served as Corporate Credit Manager until his retirement in 1999. He joined the Army National Guard serving active duty from 1961 to 1962. Cal met the love of his life, Arlene Hietpas, in the early 1960s. They married on October 31, 1964, at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Little Chute. Their marriage, rooted in faith, spanned 60 years and was blessed with four children: Jeff (Sara) Kaufman, Dianne (Joel) Wieseckel, Jennifer (Jayson) Duffy, and Scott (Patricia) Kaufman. Cal and Arlene were proud grandparents of twelve grandchildren—Courtney (Jake) Most, Aaron Kaufman, Meghan, Jake, and Ben Wieseckel, Quynlan and Anya Duffy, Patrik and Norah Kaufman, and Claire, Olivia, and Anna Abel—and great-grandparents to Griffin and Harper Most, all who survive him. In addition to his professional life, Cal was an active member of his community. He belonged to several organizations, including the Tri-City Curling Club, the Wisconsin Rapids Optimist Club (as a charter member), Central Wisconsin Wood Turners, Central Wisconsin SCORE, and the Wisconsin Rapids Arts Council. Cal had a passion for woodworking and was a gifted craftsman, creating toys, furniture, and more. After retiring, he took on the ambitious project of restoring a 1962 Century Resorter, returning it to its original mahogany beauty. In 1978, he and his family began spending time at their beloved property on Lake Petenwell, affectionately called “Petenwell Paradise.” It became the family's treasured retreat for relaxation, water sports, and lasting memories. Just days before his passing, Cal was sitting on a bench swing at the cottage with his wife, gazing out over the water. He turned to her and said, “I imagine this is what Heaven looks like.” Cal will be remembered for his dedication to family, faith and service. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and quiet strength. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Ray, Tom, Joan Kaufman and Betty Beyer. The funeral Mass will be at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Rev. William Menzel will officiate. Interment will be at a later date at Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. until the time of the Mass on Tuesday at the Church. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Aspirus Riverview Hospital for their compassionate care of Cal. Online condolences may be expressed at www.taylorfuneralhome.net