Donald Kauerauf

Donald Eugene Kauerauf, 95, of Chatham, Illinois passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025. He lived a long and happy life of service to God, his family, and his community.

Don was born on November 29, 1929, to Frank and Clella Kauerauf of Edinburg, Illinois. He was the third of four children in the Kauerauf family. His parents and his three sisters, Betty, Helen, and Marian, all predeceased him.

He earned an associate’s degree from Springfield College in Illinois and then answered the call of his country by serving in the U. S. Army for two years during the Korean War.

Upon the completion of his military service, Don enrolled at Illinois State University and there earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education. While there he met Ruth Gray of Springfield who was also pursuing a degree in education. They were married in June 1958 following Ruth’s graduation from ISU. Don and Ruth celebrated 66 years of wedded devotion to each other in 2024. Ruth survives him.

Don began a 39-year career in public education in Girard, Illinois, first as a teacher and coach, before transitioning to school administration. In 1963 he accepted the position of Glenwood High School principal, subsequently serving the Ball-Chatham Community School District as its Assistant Superintendent, and for the last seven years of his career as its Superintendent, before retiring in 1995. During his career in public education, he was widely respected by students, teachers, administrators, district staff, and the Ball-Chatham community for his honesty and integrity. He was particularly proud of his work in keeping the district financially solvent, erecting new facilities, supporting the district’s athletic and music programs, and maintaining strong professional and respectful relationships with his teachers and employees. He was also an advocate for the Capital Area Career Center and served on its executive board for many years. In 2006 he was named an inaugural member of the Glenwood Hall of Fame.

Following his retirement Don was elected to serve multiple terms as a Trustee for Ball Township.

Don was a member of First United Methodist Church of Springfield where he served on many of its boards and councils, including the building committee that designed the church’s current sanctuary. He was a long-time member of the Church’s IBT Sunday School class.

Don was a proud father and father-in-law of his two sons and their wives, John and Pam Kauerauf of Springfield and Don and Judy Kauerauf of Chatham. He loved spending time with his seven grandchildren Andrew, Abigail, Emily, Matthew, Ally, Luke, and Samuel as well as with Emily’s husband Evan Ackerson, Luke’s wife Emily, and Samuel’s wife Elizabeth. He enjoyed traveling with Ruth, woodworking, gardening and rooting for the Glenwood Titans, University of Illinois Fighting Illini, and the Chicago Cubs.

Visitation: 9:30 – 11:00 am, Monday, May 12, 2025, at First United Methodist Church.

Funeral Service: 11:00 am, Monday, May 12, 2025, at First United Methodist Church with Pastor Justin Snider officiating. Burial will be at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers Don’s family asks that you remember him by making gifts to First United Methodist Church Springfield, the Midwest Mission Distribution Center, the Ball-Chatham Educational Foundation or the Animal Protective League.

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