Arlen John Kauffman was born at home on a farm near Fairview, Michigan, Nov 7th, 1938. He was the 6th of 10 children born to the late Harry and Geneva Kauffman. He had a love for the Lord and faithfully served God many different locations. He also loved farming and took great joy in purchasing farms, making them productive and then following God's leading to find another challenge. His last ministry work was serving at David Thompson Bible Camp near Fairview, Alberta. After fighting cancer several years he went to be with the Lord in Fairview, AB, hospital at 7:20 a.m., Oct 15, 2011. He was preceded in death by numerous relatives, his son, Nathan, and first wife, May. Left to mourn him are: his wife, Leola; son, Jonathan; daughters, Stephanie and Julie; as well as three grandchildren (Brice, Bettina, Brittany) and three great-grandchildren (Anna, Dominik, Sara). Viewing will be held at the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite in Kleefeld, Manitoba, on Thursday, October 20 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and at the church prior to the service. The funeral service will be held Friday, October 21 at 2:00 p.m. at the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite in Kleefeld with interment at the church cemetery. A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 29 at 2:00 p.m. at the David Thompson Bible Camp near Fairview, AB. If friends so desire donations may be made to The Gideons, PO Box 3619 Stn Main; Guelph, ON N1H 9Z9 On November the 7th of '38 A baby named Arlen was born on this date. He entered the world, and all was just fine This Kauffman baby was #6 now in line. Five brothers, five sisters brought their total to ten The gals all did nursing, the guys were farm men. Arlen was a farmer to the tips of his toes As soon as he could walk, he was plowing those rows! He loved working with horses, he thought it was fun To be out in the fields 'til the days' work was done. He worked with his dad, with the cattle and land Until “Uncle Sam” required his hand. 1-W work was assigned for 2 years On a State dairy farm, so no change in career. He still milked those cows and handled their hay So those two years passed in a most normal way. Every young man likes a gal in his life Dad was no different, he took May as his wife. They were married November of the year '58 And just 'bout 'xactly a year from that date They welcomed their first son into this world Their life now as parents before them unfurled. Jonathan Arlen was the first one they named Then three years later brother Nathan Norman came. They enjoyed their boys who brought them great joy But neither of them wanted to play with doll toys! Adoption was tried as a girl they did need When Stephanie was found, they completed the deed. Down the road several years they tried it once more And Julie completed their children – now four. Dad loved his family, his children, his wife And farming's an integral part of his life. But the biggest, most passionate thing above all Was serving his Saviour and following His call. God gave him the gift of teaching God's Word And all through his life he made sure people heard The plan of salvation: how Jesus died for mankind He wanted each person to know they could find Eternal life through the Scriptures and so he did teach Sunday School, Bible School … then God called him to preach. The family did move to a land “far away” Canada they entered one day late in May. For ten years he pastored a church way up there With many involvements in community care. Gideons, Gym Nights and starting a school Trying to show others God's Golden Rule. The years rolled along with many sorrows and joys Losing some relatives, his wife and one boy. God gave him the courage to keep trudging along Sometimes in tears, sometimes in song. Various moves 'cross the country were made New farm yards were fixed, many buildings were laid. Neighbours and friends he found every place Helping them all brought a smile to his face. God gave him Leola in 2006 That certainly helped his loneliness fix! They both had a zeal for ministry work No laziness around either one of them lurked. Retirement was something they just couldn't hack They sold up their farm and started to pack. CSSM had a camp in great need If Dad could do maintenance, they'd like them, indeed! Dad fixed the buildings and Leola did cook And in between times she took care of their books. This was the last place Dad did his work for the Lord According to Scripture – Now “great's his reward”!