Duane F. Kaufmann

Duane F. Kaufmann, 86, of Columbus, NE, passed away Friday, August 14, 2026, at Columbus Community Hospital, Columbus, NE.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, August 21, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Newman Grove, NE with Rev. Becky Beckmann officiating. Burial will be at Columbus Cemetery, Columbus, NE. Visitation will be Thursday from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Levander Funeral Home, Albion, NE.

Levander Funeral Home of Newman Grove, NE is in charge of the arrangements.

Duane Kaufmann was born on May 12, 1940 on the family farm southwest of St. Edward, Nebraska to Fred & Marcella (Brandt) Kaufmann. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in rural Monroe. He grew up in the area, attending Bogus District 11 grade school and later finishing at Looking Glass District 40 after his family moved northeast of St Edward. He graduated from Newman Grove High School in 1957.

On September 25, 1965, Duane married Joyce Peltzer in Chappell, Nebraska. They made their home on a farm south of Newman Grove. To this union two children were born, Scott and Nancy. Duane and Joyce enjoyed planting a large garden to share with family and friends. Duane was a dedicated lifelong farmer, raising row crops, raising hogs farrow-to-finish, and feeding out cattle.

Duane was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Newman Grove, where he served on the church council for many years. He also gave his time serving on the board for the Mid Nebraska Lutheran Home.

Duane loved the changing seasons, and his favorite was harvest time. An avid Nebraska Husker fan, he held football season tickets for over 35 years and rarely missed a chance to be in Memorial Stadium with his son. He also enjoyed playing cards with family and friends. Duane took pride in watching his children and grandchildren pursue their interests. He would travel to Iowa when possible, to watch his grandchildren’s activities.

Duane is survived by his two children Scott Kaufmann of Lincoln, NE; Nancy (Kent) Thompson of Otley, IA; grandchildren: Makayla (Tim) Ward of Bellevue, NE; Vaughn (Rachel) Thompson of Overland Park, KS; brother: Gary (Dianne) Kaufmann of Tulsa, OK; brothers-in-law: Percy (Marilyn) Peltzer of Seminole, FL; Albert Peltzer of Sterling, CO; and niece Christine (Brian) Burzynski of Woodridge, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Joyce, and sister-in-law Donna Peltzer.