Services for Candace Marie Kauffman, of Bloomington, will be held Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 3 p.m. at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Bloomington. Visitation will take place Friday, February 2, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Washburn-McReavy Dawn Valley Chapel in Bloomington. Candace Marie Flemmer Kauffman died January 23, 2024, at home in Bloomington, MN from complications related to glioblastoma.She was born in Aberdeen, SD on May 3, 1950 to Gordon and Amy (Somers) Flemmer. Candace was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Andover, SD. Raised on the prairie, her parents and grandparents instilled in her a strong sense of curiosity which developed into a lifelong love of travel.
The first child of Gordon and Amy, Candace was the proud sister of 3 brothers - Kim, Jon, and her baby brother Ross. She was raised in Andover, attending grade school there and later middle and high school in nearby Groton. She excelled in school and music, playing both the French horn and piano as well as singing in All State Choir. She was also a member of the debate team, a skill set that served her well throughout her life. Upon high school graduation, Candace attended South Dakota State University and majored in English, graduating in 1972. While living in Lincoln, Nebraska she met Daniel Kauffman whom she married May 25, 1974.
After the marriage she and Daniel spent one year in Waterloo, IA for work before moving to Hays, Kansas where Candace taught high school English and journalism in Victoria, KS and Daniel accepted a position as an economics professor at Fort Hays State University. While living there they made lifelong friends and welcomed their first child, a son - Christopher. In 1983 they relocated to Winona, MN as Daniel accepted a teaching position at Winona State University. Shortly thereafter, they had the surprise of a lifetime as they welcomed identical twin girls - Amy and Beth - a shock to all, including the medical staff. Candace spent her early years in Winona raising her children before returning to school to earn a degree in accounting and becoming a CPA. Her perseverance in attending classes while caring for her family taught her children the importance of resiliency. Candace appreciated the scenery of bluff country and would remind her family to take in the beauty of the river valley, especially the barges.
Family was the center of Candace's life. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, always willing to provide guidance, and was an excellent proofreader. She served as the family historian, and could often be observed taking photographs at holidays and celebrations. Candace shared her love of travel with her family and coordinated annual vacations, a tradition she was able to maintain throughout her life. She and Daniel were able to visit many places in Europe, the U.S., and Canada. Frequently, her children would be lucky enough to join them during their travels. A doting grandmother, Candace cherished spending time with her granddaughter, Madeline.
Candace is survived by her husband of nearly 50 years, Daniel; her children: Chris (Juae Son) Kauffman, Silver Spring, MD; Amy (Robert) Kinyua, Eagan, MN; and Beth (Kevin) DeRonne, Edina, MN; her beloved granddaughter Madeline DeRonne; her brother Ross (Cristy) Flemmer; and her nephews Lucas and Jacob Flemmer. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brothers Jon and Kim.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to organizations Candace cared for deeply and supported generously: Second Harvest Heartland, Books for Africa, and St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Bloomington, MN.www.Washburn-McReavy.comDawn Valley 952-941-7686