Obit: Kuehn, Gerald R. (1933 - 2013)

Contact: Stan
Email: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Kuehn, Lautenbach, Christensen, Pochae, Weichelt, Shawcross, Raudenbush, Harris

----Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 23 Oct 2013

Kuehn, Gerald R. (20 FEB 1933 - 15 OCT 2013)

Gerald R. Kuehn, 80, Neillsville, passed away with family by his side on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013, at Memorial Medical Center, Neillsville. Funeral services were held at 4 p.m., on Saturday, Oct. 19, at Zion American Lutheran Church, Granton. Rev. Ken Schmidt officiated. Interment followed in the Zion American Lutheran Church Cemetery. Serving as casket bearers were Troy Kuehn, Craig Kuehn, Kendall Kuehn, Jessup Weichelt, Joe Galetka and Vance Voight.

Gerald Robert Kuehn was the second son of Harry and Hilda (nee Lautenbach) Kuehn. He was born at home on Feb. 20, 1933, near Neillsville. Gerald attended Cunningham Country School in Clark County. He later purchased this school, remodeled it and made it his home until his time of death. Gerald was employed at Roddis Plywood in Marshfield for three years, and also drove truck for Schmidt Cheese Factory in Granton. He then served in the United States Army in the Korean War from 1953-55. After his service to our country, he married Donna (Christensen) Kuehn on June 23, 1956, at United Brethren Church, Marshfield. In 1964 he became an entrepreneur and started a sawmill and logging business, Gerald Kuehn & Sons. Through the years, he and his sons, Dennis and Dale, developed and flourished the business which they later renamed Kuehn Sawmill & Forest Products. In 1997 he lost his son, Dale, in a motorcycle accident. Gerald retired in 2006, selling the business to his son, Dennis, and grandson, Troy. Gerald continued to lend a helping hand during his retirement years. In his spare
time, Gerald enjoyed being an active member in the community. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 2241 and the American Legion of Neillsville, serving in the color guard for many years. He loved The Highground, where he served as a board member and he and his wife volunteered in many capacities, such as porch greeters. He and his wife, Donna, were recognized as honored citizens of the Granton community. He was a member of Zion American Lutheran Church of Granton. He served on the church council, and held the offices of president, treasurer, school board and deacon. He, along with his sons, helped build the new parsonage, helped build an addition onto the church, and extended the church cemetery. Throughout his life, Gerald enjoyed many activities. In his youthful years, he raced snowmobiles with his sons on the Wildcat Racing Team. As a team member on 3-man, 5-man and couples bowling leagues, he bowled at Neillsville and Loyal bowling alleys. During the summer he actively participated in two horseshoe leagues; while in the winter, he shot pool for the Granton and Neillsville leagues for numerous years. Some of his fondest memories were captured at a campground he owned near Cary Bluff, Wood County, where he enjoyed the company of loved ones and celebrated many special occasions. He loved the outdoors, and he was known as the “sharpshooter” while he hunted with family and friends. He also enjoyed supporting his children and grandchildren -- cheering them on from the stands.

Due to his love of tractor and antique cars, he became a member of the Granton Antique Tractor club and National Corvette Association. He enjoyed going on tractor rides and was an avid collector of antique cars, tractors, and many other collectibles. He also liked to play cards and games with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Donna, Neillsville; one son, Dennis (Londa) Kuehn, Neillsville; a brother, Russell (Sharon) Kuehn, Granton; a sister-in-law, Erna Kuehn, Neillsville; three grandsons, Troy (Pat Chanarat Pochae) Kuehn, Neillsville, Craig (Devin Shawcross) Kuehn, Platteville, and Kendall (Heather) Kuehn, Pittsville; a granddaughter, Liana (Jessup) Weichelt, Kemmerer, Wyo.; five great-grandchildren, Lovella Kuehn, Novalee and Lluvy Weichelt, and Seth and Colin Shawcross; his beloved pets, Dandelion and Scooter; a special “daughter,” Bev (Bobbi) Raudenbush; and many nieces and nephews.

Gerald was preceded in death by his son, Dale Kuehn; his parents, Harry and Hilda Kuehn; two brothers, Lester Kuehn and Roger Kuehn; and a sister, Darlene Harris.

A big thank you goes to the nurses, therapists, and other members of St. Joseph’s Ministry Health Care and Hospice for the wonderful care. The family would also like to give a big thank you to the staff and doctors of Memorial Medical Center
-- you were all wonderful.

Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

The Gesche Funeral Home, Neillsville, assisted the family with arrangements.