Craig Kauffman

Oct 21, 1932 -

Aug 13, 2025

Dr. Craig Steely Kauffman, 92, passed away peacefully on Aug. 13, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska, his hometown since 1961.

Dr. Kauffman was born on Oct. 21, 1932, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Harry Lee Kauffman and Grace Myrtle Kauffman. Raised in Waterloo, Craig graduated from the West Waterloo High School in 1951. He then attended Carlton College in Northfield, Minn., from 1951 to 1954, after which he went to dental school at the University of Iowa, in Iowa City, Iowa ,earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1958. It was at the University of Iowa that he met his wife, Patricia Ann Wolfe, on a blind date. They married in 1959, in Anchorage, but then settled in Grants Pass, Ore., where Craig started his dental career. In 1961, Craig and Pat, with their first-born daughter, born in 1960, moved back to Pat's hometown of Anchorage. Craig maintained a private practice in downtown Anchorage from 1961 until his retirement in 1990. Two more daughters were born in Anchorage in 1963 and 1968.

Throughout the years, Craig was active in many professional and civic organizations. Most noteworthy was his involvement in the Alaska Dental Association and Anchorage Lions Club. He was president of both groups at various times. Craig was also an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Anchorage and later of the Redeemer United Reformed Church.

Craig was very much a family man. He became a licensed small plane pilot when he moved to Alaska, but after his daughters were born, focused his free time on family activities such as camping, hiking, snowmobiling, traveling or spending time at the family's Nancy Lake cabin. Craig, ever the photographer, was known to drive his kids crazy with his picture taking. Once Pat and Craig became empty nesters, they enjoyed traveling the United States in their 5-wheel and continuing their travels around world. In his later years, Craig was happy spending time with his family.

Craig often commented that he knew he had led a good life, had gotten to do the things he wanted and was ready to meet his Maker when the time came. This was a true gift to his daughters.

Craig was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Grace Kauffman; wife, Patricia Ann Kauffman; sister and brother-in-law, MaryLea Freedlund (Don); and one great-grandson, Ethan. He leaves behind his three daughters, Debra (Bruce ) Wilson, Rebecca (Greg) Duda and Michelle (Curt) Holler; and eight grandchildren, Diana (Marc), Kathryn, Andrew (Becca), Courtney (Adam), Evan, Emily and Samantha. He is also survived by two great-granddaughters, Carter and Heather.

Craig will be honored at a funeral service on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at the Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1612 Oceanview Drive, Anchorage, AK 99515, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to enjoy some ice cream or jelly beans with your family in Craig's honor. Craig felt that one could never be too full for ice cream as it would only "fill in the cracks," and jelly beans were simply a necessity of life.