Lester "Les" Kauffman, 81, of Arthur, died at 1:45 a.m. on August 18, 2017 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, surrounded by his wife and daughters. Les was born in Tuscola on April 12, 1936 to Verna (Beachey) Kauffman and Levi J. Kauffman.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at Shrader Funeral Home, 431 S. Vine Street, Arthur, with visitation from 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Les married Barbara Decker in Arthur on October 18, 1959. Les owned and operated "Les Kauffman, Builders" for 26 years. He took pride in serving his customers with personalized craftsmanship and attention to every detail. Les's work has forever impacted the landscape of our communities, with beautiful homes that will last generations beyond his lifetime. Les was an avid boater and fisherman on Lake Shelbyville. Teaching his kids and dozens of others to ski, Les was known for his loving personality and great sense of humor that will be missed by his family and friends.

Surviving are his loving wife of 58 years, Barb of Arthur; daughters, Angie (Dan) McKenzie of Streator, Stacie (Jeff) Teak of Arthur, and Leslie (Dan) Campbell of Arthur. Grandchildren, Drew McKenzie, Tyler Day, Shelby Day, Brenden Teak, and Hunter Campbell. One great-grandchild, Emma Harner. Also surviving are his sister, Marie Miller, Arthur; sister-in-law, Esther Kauffman, Elkhart, IN; nephews, Ronald and Phillip Miller, both of Texas; nieces, Diane Kauffman and JoAnn Kauffman, both of Indiana.

Les was proceeded in death by his parents and brother, Kenneth L. Kauffman. In lieu of flowers, Les's family requests memorials be made to the Arthur Fire Department and Ambulance Service.

Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.hilligossshraderfh.com.