Clayton Kaufman

Kaufman, Clayton of St. Louis Park, died April 30, 2012 at the age of 85 after defying Parkinson's Disease for over a quarter century. Born in Minneapolis, he graduated from North High School, served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and graduated in 1949 from the University of Minnesota with a BA degree in Journalism. He was a proud and active supporter of the University. Clayton joined WCCO Radio in 1951 as a news writer and reporter, replacing Harry Reasoner. He wrote for all of the well-known newscasters of the time, including Cedric Adams, Bob DeHaven and Stu McPherson. In his 39 years with WCCO, he advanced through many key positions including Promotions Director, National Sales Manager, Station Manager, Vice President and General Manager, and Senior Vice President for Radio. Clayt won many industry awards for outstanding promotion campaigns and also created and managed the highly successful WCCO Radio Good Neighbor travel tour program, which continues today--almost 50 years later. In 1994, Clayton received the Distinguished Alumni award from the College of Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota, on the occasion of CLA's 125th anniversary. In 2007 he was inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Clayton was active in Twin Cities Dunkers and served on the boards of directors and advisory boards of numerous organizations including the Minnesota Medical Foundation, Struthers Parkinson's Center, Golden Valley Golf and Country Club, and St. Louis Park Dollars for Scholars. In 2001, he married Susan Dorfman Schur. Susan and Clayton traveled widely together, including their favorite destination of Hawaii. Susan provided Clayton great joy and comfort for the last 15 years. He was pre-deceased by his college sweetheart and first wife, Nancy Lee Karon, and his parents, Nathan and Rose Kaufman. He is survived by his wife, Susan Schur Kaufman; sister, Shelley Segal; sons, Dixon B. Kaufman (Katina) of Madison, WI, Douglas R. Kaufman (Shelley) of Eden Prairie and Dan S. Kaufman (Jennifer) of Woodbury; stepdaughters, Erica (David) Rydzewski (Sudbury, MA) and Diana Schur (Denver, CO); 7 grandchildren and 2 step-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 2nd, 1:00 pm. at Temple Israel, 2324 Emerson Avenue S., Minneapolis. Shiva at his late residence on Wednesday evening from 6 to 10 PM. Memorials to the Minnesota Medical Foundation, designated for the Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Research and Development Fund, #1871, at MMF, P.O. Box 64001, St. Paul, MN 55164-0001, or to the charity of donor's choice. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Clayton Kaufman

May 2, 2012

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