Wilbur D. Kaufman

Wilbur Dean Kaufman passed away on September 26th, 2024, at Care Center in Hugo, Colorado.

Dean was born on April 28th, 1924, in Bovina, Colorado, to Earl and Bernice Kaufman. He was one of four children. Dean grew up in Bovina and attended 12 years of school. He graduated in 1942. After graduating, Dean joined the army in July of 1943. He served in northern France and Rhineland, Central Europe. He won several medals while serving and was honorably discharged in June of 1945.

Dean returned to Bovina to help out his family. He worked on road crews in the area. In May 1947, Dean married Helen Miller of Genoa in Goodland, Kansas. Seven children were born to this family. Dean worked very hard for his family. He worked for Lincoln County Road Crew, purchased the Conoco Station, and later became the postmaster of Genoa. In 1968, Dean had the opportunity to move to Flagler to manage Shell Grain Elevator which later became Bird Seed Company. After working there, he worked for Kit Carson County Road Crew.

Flagler had built a golf course and after retirement, that became Dean’s passion. He played whenever he could. He played in a lot of tournaments, won many, and even had the fortune to make 2 hole-in-one shots. Dean was active in the Flagler American Legion and was always there to lend a hand with any suppers or activities they put on. He enjoyed playing cards with friends. In September of 2009, Dean had the honor of going with other veterans on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

Dean enjoyed attending his children’s ball games and activities at school. He taught his kids and grandkids to play baseball (which he loved), card games, and whatever they wanted to learn. 

On April 28th of this year, Dean turned 100 years old. A party was given in his honor with many family and friends in attendance. He was also one of two WWII Veterans left in Kit Carson County and was honored at the Kit Carson County Fair.

Dean and Helen were very hard workers and that carried on to their children. Dean had a good sense of humor and always had a story for his children and grandchildren.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, wife Helen, son Lynn, brother Dwayne, sister Delores, 1 grandchild, and 4 grandchildren. He is survived by 6 children: Linda Kaufman of Bellevue, Nebraska; Larry and Betty of Marlow, Oklahoma; Lanny and Cathy of Longmont, Colorado; Lou Ann of Limon, Colorado; Lisa Field of Greeley, Colorado; and Leslie and Ted Struckman; 17 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial Contributions:

Flagler Ambulance or The Flagler Legion Post #81

Lincoln Health Community Hospital, P.O. Box 248, Hugo, Colorado 80821