Brian Donald Kaufman, 62, of Thomson, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2024
at home surrounded by his loving family and under the care of Mercy Hospice.
Brian was born on January 2, 1962 in Morrison, Illinois, the son of Donald Preston and Darlene
Fern (Smith) Kaufman. He attended Mount Carroll schools and graduated with the class of
1980, where he was active in sports, particularly football.
On September 25, 2004, Brian married Penny (Pitts) Vos in Mount Carroll. Together they raised
Penny's daughters, Cassandra and Kaylee. Brian and Penny celebrated twenty years of
marriage. Penny always thought of him as a big Teddy bear. He was always proud of the
accomplishments of Cassandra and Kaylee, never missing any of their events.
Brian loved being a grandfather to Charlie, Corbin, Daxton, Makensley, and Kyrie. He cherished
the time he spent with them, giving bear hugs, whisker rubs, and special nicknames. He loved
taking the grandkids to Sabula beach and always let them “drive” the pontoon boat. They also
enjoyed rides on the lawnmower with Brian.
Brian worked as a truck driver for many years, driving a flatbed over-the-road, then later driving
for construction sites. He was known for his love of the outdoors, classic rock, old country
music, boating, hunting morels, and attending auctions. In younger years he enjoyed hunting
ducks, squirrels and deer.
Brian will be dearly missed by his wife, Penny of Thomson; two daughters, Cassandra Vos and
fiancé Brandon Snodgrass of Dixon, and Kaylee (Tyler) Renkes of Fulton; five grandchildren;
two brothers, Steve (Barb) Kaufman of Thomson and Ron (Phyllis) Kaufman of Fulton; and
many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law, Donna
Pitts; and his sister-in-law, Kim Wisnoskie.
Visitation will be held 4 – 7pm Friday, November 15, 2024 at the Law Jones Funeral Home, Mt.
Carroll. A celebration of Brian's life will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024 with a funeral
service at 11am at the Law Jones Funeral Home in Mt. Carroll, burial at Oak Hill Cemetery, Mt.
Carroll, and a luncheon will follow.