Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Joshua Cain Kauffman, age 44, of Nappanee, died peacefully on Monday morning, May 25, 2026, at his residence after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.
Josh was born on July 19, 1981, in South Bend, to Steve and Terri Leonard Kauffman. He was a 1999 graduate of Warsaw Community High School and worked throughout his life as a painter in the automotive and marine industries. Josh lived most of his life in the Nappanee area; he spent five years living in the Florida Keys where he enjoyed fishing and painting boats. Josh loved RC cars, trucks and planes. He collected and drove all sorts of RC toys. Josh enjoyed military history and that passion crossed over into his RC collection. He enjoyed riding dirt bikes and four-wheelers. Josh loved working with his hands, whether it was building things or tearing things apart to learn about them, Josh loved learning about how things worked. He was always one to try something new and was often looking for his next adventure. Above all else, Josh loved his family.
He is survived by his parents, Steve and Terri Kauffman, of Nappanee; a son, Niles Kauffman; two sisters, Heather (Christopher) Wilson, of Cedar Lake; and Mandy (Ryan) Antonides, of Big Pine Key, Fla.; and six nieces and nephews: Sydnie Wilson, Grace Wilson, Aaron Wilson, Hanna Gayle Antonides, Lili Banks and Solomon Antonides.
Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Friday, May 29 at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. A private family service will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Josh’s name can be given to Goshen Home Health Care and Hospice Services.
