Bio: Kuehn, Harry & Hilda (Grandparents of the Year 1983)

Contact: Kathleen E. Englebretson

Email: kathy@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Kuehn, Lautenbach

----Source: Marshfield News-Herald (01 September 1983)

GRANTON -- Harry And Hilda Kuehn, rural Granton, have been selected as Grandparents of the Year in the Granton area. The contest was sponsored by the Granton Future Farmers of America Alumni.

The Kuehns were nominated by their granddaughter, Kelly, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Kuehn.

September 11 is the fifth national Grandparents Day and the day of the Granton Fall Festival parade. The honored grandparents will ride in the parade.

Kelly, in her essay about why her grandparents should be selected, said, "They always pay us for good report cards and treat us when we visit them. Grandpa keeps everyone warm by delivering firewood. Grandma shares her flowers and garden."

"My grandparents would really enjoy being honored at the Granton Fall Festival."

Harry Kuehn was born in Ripon in 1906 and moved to Granton with his parents in 1925. Hr hauled milk for the American Stores in Neillsville, using horses on his route during the winter. In 1937, he and his brother split the 160-acre farm and he moved to his present Farmstead. He built the buildings on the farm and started out milking eight cows by hand. He built his herd to 28 cows when he sold them about 10 years ago. At that time, he sold the farm to a son, Gerald, who now runs a sawmill there. Kuehn now delivers firewood.

Harry Kuehn and Hilda Lautenbach were married October 2, 1929 at Granton. They have five children, all who live in the Granton area. There are 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

The Kuehns raised their family during the Depression years. Hilda raised a large garden and usually canned more than 300 quarts of fruits and vegetables each year.

Hilda, 72, is a native of the Town of Grant and attended the Kurth and Cunningham schools. She enjoys reading, playing cards and taking care of her flowers. She worked as a nurse's aide at Memorial Hospital in Neillsville for 20 years.

Harry likes to play pool, play cards and hunt. A highlight of the couple's life was a visit to Germany about 10 years ago to visit their son, Roger, who has been working with the government.