09/01/2026
Evelyn Marie (Senecaut) Kauffman, age 83, of Sparta, WI, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 31, 2026, at Mulder Health Care Facility in West Salem, Wisconsin.
She was born on March 10, 1943 in Des Moines, Iowa. Her Parents Oscar and Helen Pearl (Doughty) Senecaut would raise three children Diane, Gary and Evelyn in Silvis Illinois, Milan Illinois, Anamosa Iowa and in Cedar Rapids Iowa. Cedar Rapids Iowa is where Evelyn would meet her future Husband Daniel Kauffman at COE College. After getting married in Cedar Rapids the two would start a family welcoming son Timothy. After graduation the two would move to Rochester MN, then on to Eau Claire WI where they would welcome sons Brian and Mark, then on to Viroqua WI where they would welcome son Justin.
Evelyn spent her days in a close relationship with Jesus, she was always found giving Jesus the credit for everything, some would call her Rev. Evelyn, saying she took after her Grandfather the Rev. William Doughty who was a Methodist Minister. She was always known as a bubbly, happy and fun person crediting Jesus for how she lived her life and how she treated everyone God put into her life. Evelyn performed in many musicals and plays using her gifts of music The Sound of Music and The Wizard of Oz being her favorites and could always be heard singing her favorite songs throughout her life, and of course wearing her ruby red slippers.
She taught Sunday school to all 4 of her children, son Mark said that he was singing Jesus Loves me and holding her hand as she took her last breath. Mark also stated that not even an hour before she took her last breath he led a prayer with Mark’s wife Diana, brother Brian, Justin, Grandson Brian (BJ) his wife Brooke, Grandson Corey, and Great Granddaughter Emberly. She was a member of many Christian Congregations on her path of life on this side of Heaven where she would be found serving on the Ladies Aid, Singing in the Senior Choir, Sunday School Programs, Bible Study Groups, Annual Christmas Programs, Easter and Christmas for Kids Programs and of course she loved sharing her love for Jesus to whomever she met.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her father Oscar, mother Helen, husband Daniel, and son Timothy. She is survived by sister Diane, Brother Gary, son Brian, son Mark (Diana), son Justin, Daughter In Law Betsy, 8 Grandchildren, 6 Great Grandchildren many nieces, nephews, many friends, and like Evelyn would say everyone that had ever done anything for her because to her they were family. A special thank you from her family to Mulder Health Care Facility for making Evelyn feel like she was at home the last days of her life, she loved every one of you like you were family, and for the love and compassion given.
Her Celebration of Her Life for Jesus will be on Tuesday, September 8, at St John’s Lutheran Church, Sparta, WI with visitation from 10:00-11:00am followed by a service and lunch. Her Christian burial will be on Wednesday, September 9, at The Greenwood Cemetery in Hayward, WI. In Lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Jesus Cares Program at St Johns. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.