Obit: Kuehn, Gerald Robert #2 (1933 - 2013)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Kuehn, Lautenbach, Christensen, Chanarat, Pochae, Shawcross, Weichelt, Raudenbush, Harris, Galetka, Voight

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co, WI) 10/23/2013

Kuehn, Gerald Robert (20 February 1933 - 15 October 2013) With Flag

Gerald Robert Kuehn, 80, passed away with family by his side Oct.15, 2013, at Memorial Medical Center, Neillsville. Gerald was the second son of Harry and Hilda (Lautenbach) Kuehn. He was born at home Feb. 20, 1933, near Neillsville, Clark County.

Gerald attended Cunningham Country School in Clark County. He later purchased this school, remodeled and made it his home until his death.

Gerald was employed at Roddis Plywood in Marshfield for thee years and also drove milk truck for Schmidt Cheese Factory in Granton. He then served in the United States Army in the Korean War from 1953 to 1955. After his service to his country, he was united in marriage with Donna Christensen June 23, 1956, at United Brethren Church, Marshfield. In 1964 he became an entrepreneur and started a saw mill and logging business, Gerald Kuehn & Sons. Through the years, eh 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 American Legion of Neillsville, serving in the color guard for many years. Gerald 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 council, office 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, Jerry enjoyed many activities. In his youthful years, he raced snowmobiles with his sons on the Wildcat Racing Team. As a team member on a three-man, five-man and couples bowling league, he bowled at Neillsville and Loyal bowling alleys. During the summer he actively participated in to 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 “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 tractors 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. In addition, he also liked to play cards and games with family and friends.

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

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

Visitation took place at the Zion American Lutheran Church of Granton, Friday, Oct. 18, 2013, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. with the funeral following with Pastor Ken Schmidt officiating. Interment was in the Zion American Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Serving as casketbearers were Troy Kuehn, Craig Kuehn, Kendall Kuehn, Jessup Weichelt, Joe Galetka and Vance Voight.

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. We’d 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 is assisting Gerald’s family with funeral arrangements.