KUHLMAN, Lillian M., (Smith) 1920-2012

KUHLMAN, HALL, SMITH, LOCK, YOST

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/28/2012 at 17:09:41

Lillian Kuhlman

(December 17, 1920 - February 10, 2012)

Rock Rapids, Iowa - Lillian Kuhlman, age 91 of Rock Rapids, died Friday, February 10, 2012, at Rock Rapids Health Centre.

Funeral service will be 2:00 PM, Tuesday, Feb. 14th at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rock Rapids, with Rev. Dan Kordahl officiating.

Lillian M. Kuhlman was born on December 17, 1920 at Lemar, Nebraska, the daughter of George P. and Sadie K. (Hall) Smith. She was raised on a homesteaded farm northwest of Lemar, not far from the Colorado border. She attended country school and continued high education in Curtis, Nebraska, graduating with honors from Curtis High School in 1939. She received her Normal Teaching Certificate and began teaching.

She was united in marriage to Lester Lock, her high school sweet heart. The couple moved to Oklahoma City in the fall of 1943, while Lester attended pilot training with the Army Air Corps. While Lester served his country overseas Lillian taught school for four years. In early 1945, Lillian’s husband, Lester was killed while serving in the European Theater while piloting a B-24 Liberator.

Lillian decided to pursue more education so she entered the University of Nebraska in the fall of 1945 where she studied Home Economics. On June 6, 1949 Lillian graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in the morning and was united in marriage to Norman Kuhlman in the afternoon. The next day she and Norman moved to Rock Rapids, Iowa. She then began working as a substitute teaching for Central Lyon Community Schools. She also volunteered numerous hours to community organization and functions.

She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rock Rapids; active with Women’s Circle and taught Sunday school for several years. She enjoyed sewing, golfing, baking, and canning. She also was active with many civil groups such as Red Hat Society, Eastern Star and the P.E.O. She especially enjoyed playing bridge with her friends, belonging to a bridge club that met for many years.

In 1999 her husband, Norman died after 50 years of marriage. Lillian remained active on her farm until 2006, when she moved to Premier Estates in Rock Rapids, Iowa. In December of 2011 she suffered from a heart attack and moved to the Rock Rapids Health Centre, where she died this past Friday, February 10, 2012, at the age of 91.

She is survived by two children, Karen (Patrick) Yost of Eldridge, Iowa and Kevin (Gail) Kuhlman of Garner, Iowa; fourteen grandchildren, Kristi (Jon) Pauss, Traci (Stephen) Thompson, Jaimi Yost, Mindi Yost, Daniel Yost, Kerri Yost, Michael Yost, Brittani Yost, Corey Yost, Kaci Yost, Jeremy Yost, Lisa (Ibrahim) Gangol, Allan (Mysti) Kuhlman and Paul Kuhlman; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Virginia Stevens of Englewood, CO and Dorothy Weiss of Imperial, Nebraska; one sister-in-law, Marilyn (Jack) Wilson of Grand Island, Nebraska; and many other extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Sadie Smith; her first husband, Lester Lock; and her second husband, Norman Kuhlman.

Source: Jurrens Funeral Home, Rock Rapids, Iowa.