Major George S. Kuffel

George S. Kuffel was born on Aug. 24, 1929, to Dr. Stanley and Ruth Kuffel in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and died on Dec. 14, 2017, in Lake Charles. He led a life of service and devotion to his country, his church, his students at DeQuincy High School and McNeese State University, his wide circle of friends, and especially to his beloved wife Nancy.

George enrolled in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) at North Dakota State University at Fargo. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology in 1951 and received his commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Infantry. He served in the 40th Infantry in Korea and continued his military service for 20 years, achieving the rank of major. He served at several bases in the U.S. and France, as well as two tours in Vietnam as an advisor to the South Vietnamese military. His awards include the Korean Service Medal, UN Service Medal, ROK Presidential Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Medal with Cross of Gallantry, National Service Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars and The Air Medal. His expertise as a marksman was recognized by the award of Distinguished Rifleman and his service as Captain of the All Army Rifle Team.

Major Kuffel came to Lake Charles between his two tours in Vietnam as adviser to the 156th Infantry of the Louisiana National Guard. He liked the people in Lake Charles and decided to return when he retired from the Army in 1971. George enrolled at McNeese State University, became a Graduate Assistant, and received a Master’s degree in Counseling and Guidance in 1972. This started him on a path as an educator at DeQuincy High School and McNeese.

At McNeese, George held the rank of Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology. He served as coordinator and director of the Office of Community Services. His involvement in continuing education resulted in helping hundreds of people begin or return to college. One of his programs was the Emphasis on Adult Special Entry (EASE), a program tailored to adults entering or returning to college. Another was an early entry program that allowed high school students to take college courses while still in high school. A project that made him especially proud was his success in allowing men held in the Louisiana Correctional and Industrial School (later Phelps Correctional Center) to participate in college courses and the opportunity to receive credit toward an Associate degree. The Louisiana Association for Continuing Higher Education recognized him for his outstanding service in 1995, shortly after his retirement.

George’s faith was an integral part of his life, and he took many opportunities to serve his Church. He served as a lector and school board member at St. Margaret Catholic Church and as a member of the Seminary Advisory Board. He served as vice president and president of the Serra Club of Lake Charles, and was chosen Serran of the Year in 1987.

George’s devotion to marksmanship led to expertise and honors as well as membership in the Southwest Louisiana Rifle and Pistol Club. His skill as a woodworker produced beautiful hand-crafted furniture and a lengthy membership in the Lake Charles Woodworkers. His love of hunting and fishing resulted in many excursions with friends in the Southwest Louisiana outdoors. His devotion to poker led to many Monday nights playing the game with a group of like-minded friends.

He leaves behind his wife of 51 years, Nancy Kuffel; nephews Leo Kuffel of Wilmington, N. Carolina, and his namesake, George Kuffel, of Plano, Texas; and nieces Theresa Kuffel, Patricia McGivney and Anne O’Brey, all of California.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at Johnson Funeral Home, with a Scripture service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will resume at the funeral home from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. Monday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church Monday, Dec. 18, at 10:30 a.m., followed by burial at Central Louisiana Veteran’s Cemetery in Leesville, La. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the McNeese Foundation.

George Kuffel was an officer and a gentleman.