James “Jim” Kauffmann, age 78 of Wells, was recently diagnosed with head and neck cancer, unfortunately he passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. A Visitation will be Monday, April 6, 2026 from 4:00-7:00pm at Nasinec Funeral Home in Wells and will resume one hour prior (10:00-11:00am) to the service at church. A funeral service will be held 11:00am Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at Peace Church in Minnesota Lake with Pastor Rachael Morrison officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the Wells Color Guard and burial will be in Peace Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at The Orange Door in Minnesota Lake.
James LeRoy was born June 6, 1947 to Verne and Norma (Fratzke) Kauffmann. Jim graduated from Wells High School with the class of 1966, was drafted by the army later that year and then served in the Vietnam War from 1967-1968. After he was honorably discharged, he married Pamela Kahl on March 22, 1969. They started their married life together in the Twin Cities. In 1973 they moved back to Wells where they lived for over 50 years.
During his life, Jim worked in the cabinet shop at Nordaas American Homes, and in different construction jobs doing masonry and carpentry work. He was a member of the Wells American Legion and the VFW, later becoming manager as well as the commander of the VFW.
One of Jim’s favorite things was to play cards-any game, but especially cribbage and Texas hold-em. He loved fishing, no matter if it was soft or hardwater, he loved being out on the lake. Jim especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and watching them play sports.
He is preceded in death by his wife Pam (2025); a daughter; his parents; and granddaughter Ashley.
Jim is survived by his children: Eric (Jena) Kauffmann of New Ulm, MN, Kereen Johannsen and Craig Kauffmann, both of Wells; grandchildren: Danielle Johannsen, Brianna Kauffmann, Erika Johannsen, Aaron (AJ) Kauffmann and Asher Kauffmann; great-granddaughter Maizley Kauffmann; siblings: Gary (Marlene) Kauffmann, Gene Kauffmann (special friend Kathy Schulz), Steve (Kathy) Kauffmann, Paul (Julie) Kauffmann and Jon (Ann) Kauffmann; many sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
To the entire Kauffman family:
My sincere condolences to all of you grieve the passing of Jim. I used to babysit for them in high school and our families were good friends. May God comfort you all in His loving arms!
My sympathy to the Kauffman family. So sorry for your loss!
Our heartfelt sympathy to the Kauffmann families
Always enjoyed Jim when he bartended at the VFW. He had some good stories. I was a classmate of his wife Pam.
Always enjoyed Jim as a bartender at the VFW. He had some good stories. I was a classmate of his wife Pam.
Eric,
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
So sorry for your loss
My deepest sympathy to the family
Jim was quite the Jim! Donnie graduated with him. So sorry for your loss to all his family.
Deepest sympathy to the Kauffman family 🙏
Hugs and prayers of comfort for all of you.
My deepest sympathy to the Kauffman family. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear of your Dads passing. My sympathy to you and your family.
Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. We were so blessed to have the greatest neighbors ever for all these years and they are so terribly missed. Hold onto all your memories created with him, he was so proud of each and every one of you!!!
I had the honor of escorting Jim and his brother on the Honor Flight tribute to Vietnam Veterans in May 2024. We appreciate Jim’s selfless service to our Nation. Sending my condolences to his entire family and wishing all of you peace.
Jim Southern Minnesota Vietnam Veterans Last Man Club will always remember your service