Lucas Jay "Luke" Kaufman

KALIDA – Lucas Jay "Luke" Kaufman, 29, of Kalida, passed away at 4:41 a.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at OSU Wexner Medical Center, Columbus.  He was born February 27, 1996, in Lima to Darren and Kathy (Morman) Kaufman, they survive in Kalida.

Luke is also survived by a brother: Ben (Kalyn) Kaufman of Columbus; a nephew: Leo Kaufman of Columbus; maternal grandmother: Judy Morman of Columbus Grove; his two dogs: Murphy and Winston; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is preceded in death by a brother, Kyle Kaufman; maternal grandfather, Bob Morman; and paternal grandparents, Leon and Marilyn Kaufman.

Luke was a 2014 graduate of Kalida High School and attended The Ohio State University.  He loved his dogs and playing online video games with his cousins and friends.  So many knew Luke and to know him was definitely to love him.  Luke was our hero.  He showed us how to love, how to be strong and how to smile every day despite the turmoil life threw his way.  He loved fiercely.  His wit and charm made everyone smile.  We'll miss him every day, but know he's without pain and with eternal happiness.

Luke's funeral mass will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 24, 2025 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Kalida. with Father Joseph Varghese officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Anthony's Cemetery, Columbus Grove.   Visitation will be Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m.  and again from 9 to 9:30 a.m. Friday at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township.  There will be a scripture service at 1:45 p.m. Thursday.

Memorial donations may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio or Polycystic Kidney Foundation

Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio
711 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus OH 43205
Web: http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org

Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation
PO Box 871847, Kansas City MO 64187
Web: http://pkdcure.org