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Life story

" Joseph Clarence Kauffman, IV, better known as Joe, 51, from Stafford, Virginia. Joe died on Monday, September 20, 2021 in Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center due to complications from a back surgery.

Joe was born November 1, 1969 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania to Janice Claire Shope and James Stone Kauffman. Older brother to John E. Kauffman, born February 9, 1972. To Joe’s great excitement, he discovered the existence of his sisters Jamie L. Kauffman of Mount Joy, PA and Tara L. Barnes of Elizabethtown, PA on March 12, 2020 and confirmed by DNA on April 6, 2020.



Joe spent the age of 10 through 18 at the Masonic Children’s Home of Elizabethtown, PA, where he would occasionally share stories of his antics throughout his teen years.

Joe graduated from East Stroudsburg University, Crater Criminal Justice Training Academy and Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.

Joe spent the last 11 years working at the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital and was recently promoted to Security Lead Sergeant for leading the nighttime security force to protect Fort Belvoir’s Medical Treatment Facility. Joe enjoyed serving the military community, connecting with other veterans and chatting with other soldiers and their families.

Joe served in the Army from 1989 until 1992 and the Army National Guard from 2008 until 2010. Joe served his time in the Desert Storm, Afghanistan and Iraq.

Joe would say his greatest achievements were his children, Joey and Leia, a second opportunity at fatherhood. He loved to share stories about them and strived to be the best father he could be -singing and dancing together to 70s music, putting together the latest toy project or curled up together watching a movie.

Joe was an avid Trump supporter, who enjoyed provoking any innocent bystanders into a lively discussion about the latest political trends. Joe was a movie lover, most especially an avid Star Wars fan and often shared his passion with his children Joey and Leia. Joe was most known for immersing himself into do-it-yourself projects and fixing things. One of his greatest joys was riding a motorcycle on long trips regardless of the weather.



Joe is survived by his wife, Sochitl Rodríguez Kauffman, married 08/07/2015 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Mother of Joseph Clarence Kauffman V (5) and Leía Xena-Soleil Kauffman (2). Vickie Duff Kauffman, of Georgia, former wife. From Joe’s first marriage, his daughter Krista Wentz (Brandt), wife of Adam Wentz currently serving in the Air Force in Spangdahlem, Germany. In addition, Joe’s granddaughters Hazel Wentz (3) and Emilia Wentz (11 months). Joe’s sisters Jamie L Kauffman of Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, married to Kyle Risberg parents of Nickolas and Annabeth and Tara L Barnes of Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania mother of Abigail Barnes of Lititz, PA, Gabrielle Barnes of Bainbridge, PA and Isabella Barnes of Elizabethtown, PA.



Joe is predeceased by his mother Janice Myers (Shope) date of death May 8, 2015 and his father James Stone Kauffman date of death March 12, 2007. And his brother John E. Kauffman date of death March 21, 1994.



A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Saturday, October 16, 2021 beginning at 2:00 PM at Emmanuel Baptist Church 3801 Buckman Road Alexandria, VA 22309. Officiated by Pastor Artemia T. Bates-Mendoza. Followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall from 2:30 PM till 6:00 PM, where light refreshments will be served. Cremation Services are being performed by Virginia Cremation Services of Fredericksburg, VA. For any questions, please contact Jessie Tamayo, Sochitl’s sister, at 703-589-6017.



A fund has been established to help the family with end of life expenses, memorial costs and providing for the children during this process of transition.

A GoFundMe account can be found at:

https://gofund.me/fd49e570



Joe’s family would like to extend their sincere appreciation for all of your prayers, thoughts and support during this time. Joe’s amazing neighbors at Viking Lane, co-workers at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, Sochitl’s co-workers at the City of Fredericksburg Social Services, the church family at Iglesia Bautista Emmanuel in Alexandria, VA and each of you who have made donations or extended gifts in kind.



A quote to share from the Star Wars movie Revenge of the Sith, the little green character most of you may be familiar with, Yoda. He says, “Death is a natural part of life. Rejoice for those around you who transform into the Force. Mourn them do not. Miss them do not. Attachment leads to jealously. The shadow of greed, that is.” "