College of Arts and Sciences Newsroom

By Dave Larsen

John Kauflin ’62, a University of Dayton alumnus and professor emeritus in the UD Department of Mathematics, died Feb. 13 at age 84.

Kauflin taught mathematics at UD for more than 35 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from UD in 1962 and began teaching at the University in 1966, after receiving a master’s degree from Michigan State University. He took a leave of absence to complete his doctoral degree at Georgetown University and returned to the UD faculty in 1970. He retired in 2005 with the rank of professor emeritus.

Trained in partial differential equations, Kauflin served as the Department of Mathematics’ mathematical physicist. In addition to developing a broad teaching agenda in the undergraduate curriculum, he developed and delivered the applied mathematics curriculum that served the graduate programs in mathematics and engineering for 20 years.

In his later years at UD, Kauflin’s teaching interests moved to the history of mathematics, which he enjoyed delivering to secondary and middle school pre-service teachers.

“John has committed his vast service efforts to the University in the matters of student affairs and academic affairs,” wrote Paul Eloe, professor emeritus of mathematics and former department chair, in his citation for Kauflin’s promotion to professor emeritus. “These efforts include 10 years as faculty moderator for the Math Club, service on the Student Life Council, the Academic Policies Committee and the Basic Skills Committee.”

Kauflin also was admired for his persistence to ride a bicycle to campus regardless of the weather. “John, on a bicycle, in full rain gear, is an imposing figure,” Eloe wrote.

All four of Kauflin’s children — John, James, Jason and Jane — are UD graduates.

Kauflin was a devout Catholic who attended Mass daily. According to his obituary, he appreciated the faith communities of Corpus Christi and Transfiguration Catholic Church as part of his spiritual journey.

He dedicated his life to biking, gardening, stamp collecting and home renovation. He also was an avid golfer who enjoyed golf trips with family and friends.

“John was a friend and colleague at UD for many years,” wrote Jerry Strange, professor emeritus of mathematics, on a memory wall on Kauflin’s obituary page. “He was a respected teacher and valued member of the mathematics department. We had many long conversations about life and mathematics, and I was always impressed with his humor and his perspective on life.”

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Church of the Transfiguration, 972 S. Miami St., West Milton, Ohio. Burial will follow at Polk Grove Cemetery, Butler Twp. The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at Hale-Sarver Family Funeral Home, 284 N. Miami St., West Milton. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton.