Obit: Kuehnast, Ernest F. (1871 – 1969)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Kuehnast, Glidden, Moses, Brown, Nunke, Stetter

----Source: Tribune/Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 01/23/1969

Kuehnast, Ernest F. (28 DEC 1871 – 17 JAN 1969)

Services were held Monday, Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. at Polnaszek Funeral Home in Abbotsford for Ernest F. Kuehnast, Abbotsford, who died January 17, 1969. The Rev. Charles officiated and burial was made in the Abbotsford Cemetery.

Mr. Kuehnast was born in Germany in 1871 and came to America at the age of 11. He spent his boyhood near Stevens Point, and also in the Dakotas. While in the west, he became interested in railroads, and upon his return to Wisconsin was employed by the Wisconsin Central. He was a member of the bridge painting crew, a break man, and finally became a freight conductor for the Soo Line. He conducted freight from Stevens Point to Park Falls, Ashland, and other northern points. In 1902 he married Bessie Moses and they then moved to Abbotsford, which was at that time the division point for the railroad. His wife died in 1946.

In 1940 he retired from the railroad and was employed by the Steffen Motor Company, Hintz Planing Mill, and Streckert’s Manufacturing Company.

Survivors include seven children, Mrs. Chester Brown (Vilma) of Brookfield, Wilbur of Abbotsford, Robert of Chippewa Falls, Mrs. Edward Nunke (Evelyn), Minneapolis, twins, Emery and Emaline, Emery of Chippewa Falls and Emaline at home and Mrs. Frank Stetter (Marion) of Itasca, Ill.; 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Edna Kuehnast of Abbotsford, and a brother, Dan, of Stevens Point.