Darol L. Kaufmann, 89, resident of Superior, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, MN. He was born in Marshalltown, Iowa on February 24, 1935, the son of August and Zella (Johnson) Kaufmann.
Darol graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1953 and Marshalltown Junior College in 1955. He then graduated in 1957 from Iowa State Teachers College (University of Northern Iowa) where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Science. Darol attended Kansas State University where he earned a Master of Science Degree and a PhD in Entomology in 1965.
Darol also spent four years in the United States Navy. He served part of his time as a member of an elite Honor Guard at the United Nations Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.
Darol married Beverly Baily on August 31, 1957, in Marshalltown, Iowa and they celebrated sixty-six wonderful years together.
Darol worked as a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Superior for thirty-one years from 1965 to 1996. He was a member of the Biology Department and director of the Medical Technology Program. He also worked closely with UWS Athletics as a member and chair of the Athletic Committee as well as serving fourteen years as UWS Faculty Athletic Representative to the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Darol was inducted into the Superior Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998.
Darol was an avid bowler participating in leagues and tournaments, both locally and nationally for over sixty years with the highlight of his career winning the Duke’s tournament in Abbotsford, WI in 1990. Darol also enjoyed golfing, fishing, cartooning, and creating greeting cards for everyone he knew.
Darol is survived by his wife, Beverly, of Superior, WI; Kip August Kaufmann (son), Julie (daughter in-law), and Kelsey (granddaughter) of Chanhassen, MN; Janet Kaufmann (sister in-law) of Fayetteville, AR; and many nieces and nephews.
Darol is preceded in death by his parents August and Zella Kaufmann, brothers Paul and David Kaufmann, sister Lois Wilson, and brother in-law Dale Wilson.
In lieu of flowers, if friends and family desire, donations may be marked in the check memo (Darol Kaufmann’s Memorial) and made payable to UW-Superior Foundation mailed to:
UW-Superior Foundation
Darol Kaufmann Memorial
P.O. Box 2000Superior, WI 54880
Or, online at www.uwsuper.edu/give using online payment. Indicate online Darol Kaufmann’s Memorial.
In the loving memory of Darol, we invite you to celebrate his life and legacy on July 27, 2024, at the University of Wisconsin Superior Yellowjacket Union (1605 Catlin Ave, Superior, WI 54880) from Noon to 3pm. Please join us as we honor the memories and cherish the moments we shared together.
The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5th Street in Superior, will be assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Darol L. Kaufmann, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
University of Wisconsin Superior Yellowjacket Union
Bev Wilcox/Switzer (Collins)
Darol had an amazing life, I see from his obituary. I first knew him when I was a sophomore at MHS. He was in the Junior College, which was on the 3rd floor of the high school. My sister, Barbara Wilcox, was in the college, and I got to know many of her friends like Darol, Beverly, Jack Farr and Charlotte, Carol Wilson, Bob Wyant, and Bob Campbell (who became a well known doctor in Colorado Springs and saved my daughter's life).
But this memory stands out for me: I was required to take a microbiology class, and I knew the teacher only gave an A to science majors, and I was not. I walked into class, and there was Darol sitting with the science majors, and I sat down beside him. Got an A.