Denise Lynn Kaufman's Obituary
Denise Lynn Kaufman, 64, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away July 27, 2025.
Denise was born in Decatur on March 27, 1961, the daughter of Larry and Dorothy (Anderson) Chalcraft. She married William “Bill” Kaufman on February 16, 1985, in Decatur. She was an accomplished hairdresser for many years and also ran an in-home daycare.
Denise was a warm, outgoing person who made friends wherever she went. She loved her family deeply and reveled in spoiling her grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling, especially taking vacations with her family. She had a green thumb and spent many pleasant hours caring for her flowers and plants. In her younger years, she was a faithful attendee of First Congregational Church in Decatur, and she carried her faith in her heart every day.
Denise is survived by her husband Bill; children Casey (Dan) Assell and Kelsie (Kameron) Kizzire; sister Deanne (Jerry) DeGeare: grandchildren Bryson, Alaina, Sawyer, Liliana, Hailey, Ethan, and Nathan; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A funeral service for Denise will be held at 1:30pm Friday, August 1, at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 1pm prior to the service. Burial in Graceland Cemetery will follow the service. Condolences may be shared with the family at https://www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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