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Oskar Kaufmann, age 78, of Norman, passed from this life November 30, 2014. He was born January 6, 1936, in Augsburg, Germany. Oskar came to the United States at the age of 20, and shortly thereafter enlisted in the United States Army. After completing basic training at Fort Meade, Maryland in 1957, Oskar was deployed to Bayreuth, Germany.
It was there, at a friend’s wedding, that Oskar met Frieda Noechel. He called his mother that night and told her he had just met his future wife. The couple were married in 1960, and recently celebrated 54 years together.
In 1962, Oskar returned to the United States with his bride, and was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. Oskar served in Korea in 1964, and in 1967 completed Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, receiving a commission as a Second Lieutenant. He also was a graduate of the Field Artillery Advanced Course. After returning from a tour of duty in Vietnam, Oskar was again deployed to Germany, where he was stationed from 1972 until his retirement from the Army in 1977 at the rank of Major.
During his distinguished military career, Oskar was often cited for his strong technical and operational skills, as well as exceptional leadership abilities. He was also inducted to the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara. As a civilian, Oskar worked for a defense contractor developing missile and guidance system technology. He retired again in 1997 and moved to Norman to be near his children and grandchildren.
Oskar was active in retirement. He volunteered for veterans’ organizations, and was involved in the Association of Pershing Professionals and the Norman Chapter of the Military Officers’ Association of America. He also enjoyed traveling, particularly in Europe, and spending time with his family.
But the activity Oskar loved most was being a grandfather, or Opa, to his grandchildren Matthew, Lauren, J.J. and George. Their Opa was their biggest fan and supporter. Over the years, Oskar attended countless activities to cheer them on. Regardless of the event - whether it was a t-ball game, basketball game, lacrosse match, soccer game, band concert, dance competition, or dance recital – Oskar was there. And he was always genuinely proud of their efforts and their accomplishments.
Oskar was preceded in death by his parents, Klemens and Viktoria Kaufmann. He is survived by his wife, Frieda, of the home; son Michael Kaufmann and wife Linda, of Norman; son Jeffrey Kaufmann and wife Shannon Griffin, of Oklahoma City; grandchildren Matthew Kaufmann, Lauren Kaufmann, James (J.J.) Kaufmann, and George Kaufmann; brother Guenter Knieler and his wife Anni of Woerth, Germany; and extended family in Germany.
A memorial service to remember and honor Oskar will be held on Friday, December 5, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. at Havenbrook Funeral Home in Norman. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be directed to the Fisher House Foundation or the Military Officers Association of America Scholarship Fund.
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