Kenneth W. Kauffman, 90, of Lebanon, PA, formerly of Bucks County, PA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, at The Masonic Village in Elizabethtown, PA. Ken was born in Langhorne, PA, to the late Archibald and Emma (Bazzel) Kauffman, who preceded him in death. In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by the love of his life, Sallie Kauffman; sisters, Nancy Pietsch and Patsy Kauffman; and beloved granddaughter, Amber Frye.
Ken was affectionately known as “Kenny, KK, and Dad to many.” Our father was a devoted and loving husband to Sallie A. (Rice) Kauffman, and a proud father to his three daughters: Suzanne Frye, wife of Leigh Frye; Jennifer Doss, wife of Tim Doss; and Tracy Kauffman. He was a cherished grandfather to Amber Frye, Justin Frye (wife Sabrina), Skyler Doss-Stockdale (husband Ross), and Austin Doss (wife Mikaela); and a proud great-grandfather to eight beloved great-grandchildren.
Dad was a highly respected and well-loved automobile dealer and manager in both the Philadelphia and Lebanon communities. He devoted over 60 years to the automobile business, a profession he genuinely loved and took great pride in. While his career was important to him, nothing in his life mattered more than his family.
Dad lived a blessed life filled with laughter, many friendships, memorable experiences, and lots of pets. He held a special place in his heart for all his pets, big and small, but had a deep love for dogs. Dogs gave our father great comfort and joy, even to the end. Dad took immense pride in his Bucks County horse farm and found true happiness in caring for our menagerie of animals, alongside his wife and three girls. Our parents lovingly watched us compete in horse shows—memories we cherished throughout our lives. In addition, the mountains were our dad’s “special place,” particularly his home in the Pocono Mountains, where snowmobiling, boating, and time spent with family and friends brought us all laughter and joy.
Our father loved all sports and spent countless hours watching and playing golf. One of his proudest accomplishments was achieving a hole-in-one at Desert Palms Country Club in Palm Springs, California, during a Ford Chairman’s Award Trip. Through his numerous customer satisfaction awards, which he earned from Ford Motor Company, our parents were blessed to travel the world to beautiful destinations with partners and friends.
As a gifted athlete, our dad won a national high school batting title, earning the opportunity to play professional baseball for two seasons. He was also an excellent football player and was later inducted into the Neshaminy High School Hall of Fame for both sports. He held immense pride in these accomplishments. Dad enjoyed playing sports in his younger years and was a huge fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and Philadelphia Eagles throughout his life.
Our father was also proud of his military time with the army and the many years he spent with the Hawthorne Caballeros Drum Corps, experiences he treasured throughout his life. Dad had a great love of music and was quite talented in both singing and playing the mellophone horn. Even at 90 years old, our dad was sharp as a tack. He could recall most musical lyrics and sports statistics. He loved PSU football but especially cherished Notre Dame football, traveling many times with friends to Notre Dame games in various states. Dad was an honorary member of Notre Dame’s Leahy Lads Club and was very proud of this recognition.
Most of all, our dad was incredibly proud of his family. He found his greatest joy in watching his grandchildren grow and compete in their own sporting events. No matter how near or far away these events were, pop-pop was always there. Supporting his family, friends, and charities meant the world to him.
Our father found comfort and fulfillment in his Methodist faith. He was a member of The Good Shepherd Church in Lebanon, PA, where he served as an usher for many years. His faith guided him to a life of charitable services as an active Mason and Shriner. He served faithfully in all three organizations for more than 65 years.
His character made him a driven man who faced life’s challenges with courage and grace. During his final six years at The Masonic Home—years that were more difficult than most realized, as he lived as a double amputee—he never gave up. He greeted each day with a smile, humor, and a positive outlook. He was always looking forward to getting out, especially to enjoy meals with loved ones and spend time shopping. He was truly the kindest, funniest, and strongest soul one could ever know.
We thank the many friends, family members, and caregivers who supported and loved our father throughout his life. To his friends, we thank you for the memories, laughter, and companionship you shared with our father. Though his final years were challenging, he lived each day knowing how deeply he was loved by all of you. Our father was blessed to have devoted family members who meant the world to him. We would like to thank cousin, Dale Edwards, as well as sister-in-law, Linda Cutillo, whose love and support were never-ending. We deeply appreciate you and your love for our father.
God bless our father, now at rest,
With peace and eternal comfort blessed.
In heaven’s light, he wakes to see
The loved ones held in memory.
With pets and kin, a joyful throng,
He joins the everlasting song.
With deepest love and eternal gratitude,
The Kauffman Girls
A public visitation will be held on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2025, from 10:30-11:30 a.m., at Kreamer Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 618 E. Main St., Annville, PA 17003. Funeral services will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday at the Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Gravel Hill Cemetery, Palmyra.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Lebanon County, 150 N. Ramona Road, Myerstown, PA 17067, or the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area Inc., 7790 Grayson Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111.
