Theil Harry Kauffman

Theil is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Erin Kauffman; grandchildren, Henry and Sophie Kauffman; daughter, Charity Kauffman; sisters Jewel Kauffman and Pearl Stanbrough; brother, Randy Kauffman; brother and sister-in-law, Randy and Sandy French; sister-in-law, Thelma French; uncle, Ray French; and nieces and nephews.

Theil is preceded in death by wife, Andrea Kauffman; parents, Elam and Amanda Kauffman; and brother-in-law, Ron Stanbrough.

Theil graduated from Rothrock High School in 1972. He graduated from Messiah College in 1976 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. He taught elementary and middle school for a few years.

On the weekends, Theil worked with Andrea’s uncle, Ray French, at Friendship Bookstore. Eventually, Theil managed the store full time. Theil and Andrea purchased the bookstore in 1987 and operated it together for almost 40 years. Owning Friendship Bookstore was much more than a job to Theil– it was ministry. Theil dedicated his life to providing Christian resources for churches, families, and individuals that help them grow in their relationship with Christ and in their ministry to others.

Theil was a faithful worship leader at Pine Glen Alliance Church and Locust Grove Mennonite Church. Theil loved to sing and plan meaningful worship services for people to enjoy. He was a member of several singing groups including The Heralds and The Alliance Men’s Quartet. Theil, Andrea, and their children traveled to area churches to provide special music, and Theil and Andrea continued their music ministry for as long as they were able. Behind the scenes, Theil loved crafting meaningful times of worship, integrating Scripture and songs that expressed his deep faith in God and love for Jesus. Through Theil’s musical gifts and joyful presence, countless people heard about God’s love and grace.

Theil enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and sharing his love for books with them. He looked forward to breakfasts and Bible studies with friends, and he readily shared his love for nature with his family and friends.

The family would like to thank the cardiac team at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville for their excellent care, as well as their empathy and kindness.

A celebration of life service, led by pastor Chad Oberholtzer, will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, at Pine Glen Alliance Church, 1058 State Route 103N, Lewistown, PA 17044. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family at Pleasant View Cemetery.

To honor Theil’s love for God’s creation–especially birds– memorial contributions may be made to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850, or online at www.give.birds.cornell. edu.

Harshbarger Funeral Home, McVeytown, is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.harshbargerfuneralhome.com.