James John Kuennen

KUENNEN, HEMESATH

Posted By: Henry Brainard (email)
Date: 4/6/2023 at 18:15:07

James “Jim” Kuennen, 89, of Cresco, IA, died on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at his home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 11, 2021, at Notre Dame Parish in Cresco. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, December 10, at the church and will continue from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday. Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco.

James John Kuennen was born June 4, 1932, to Clem and Matilda Kuennen in St. Lucas, IA. He married Madonna Hemesath on September 3, 1952, and to this union 9 children were born. He served in the Army during the Korean War from 1953-1955; where he was a member of the 101st Airborne Division “Screaming Eagles.” He trucked ammunition to the front line and transported prisoners back. Jim and Donna moved to Cresco in 1960 and had been farming the same land ever since. He was very proud of his tractors and was an Oliver lover. Jim liked to tinker and was an engineer of many things. He made his own lawn mower and even made a weed eater before its time. He loved relaxation, gardening and sharing his produce with everyone. As a man of great faith, Jim was very active in the church at Notre Dame Parish. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus to the 4th Degree, President of the School Board, served on the Parish Council, and was responsible for refurbishing the church bells. He was also a member of the Cresco VFW and American Legion Post 135.

Jim is survived by his wife of 69 years Donna Kuennen, children Clyde (Jane), Denise (Gary) Murphy, Sheila (Jim) Murphy, Joan (Richard) Hovey, Linda (Paul) Ferrie, Pamela (Jim Moen), John (Lynetta), and Allyn (Deanna), grandchildren Brandon Kuennen, Miranda Kuennen, Justin Murphy, Kuennen Murphy, Paul (Danea) Murphy, Sarah Murphy, Stephen Murphy, Jay (Susan) Schryver, Ashlyn (Jon) Elsner, Kayla (Eric) Pride, Heather (Adam) Barness, Amber Kuennen, Caleb Kuennen, Josie Kuennen, and Rowan Kuennen, great-grandchildren Benelli Murphy, Jaxon Murphy, Cate Murphy, Macie Murphy, Jude Schryver, Isabelle Schryver, Adelaide Elsner, Theodore Pride, Hudson Barness, Benjamin Barness, sisters Della and Arlene, and brother Gerald.

He was preceded in death by his son Ronald Kuennen (deceased Dec. 5, 1985), brothers Leon and Clarence, sisters Ruth, Lori, and Edna, and grandchildren Hope Kuennen and Augustus Kuennen.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Notre Dame Catholic School or Notre Dame Parish in memory of Jim.

Hindt Funeral Home.