Kuennen, Linus Joseph 1950 - 2018

KUENNEN, WURZER, MURPHY, GINGERICH, SCHWEITZER, CLARK, FERNANDEZ, SEIWERT, BRUNS, MORTIZ, BOECHE

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/19/2024 at 21:00:43

Linus Kuennen, age 68, of St. Lucas, IA, died on Thursday, August 16, 2018, on the family farm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas, IA, with Rev. Aaron Junge presiding. Burial will be at a later date.

Visitation will be from: 3:30-8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at the St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas, IA and also after 10:00 a.m. at the Church on Wednesday morning. There will be a scripture service starting at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the church with the visitation to follow.

Linus Joseph Kuennen was born on June 9, 1950, the son of Roman and Anna (Wurzer) Kuennen, in Decorah, IA. He attended St. Luke’s Catholic School through his junior year, and then graduated from Turkey Valley in 1968. After high school, Linus attended Iowa State University, where he was a proud member of the ISU wrestling team. Linus graduated from ISU in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dairy Science. After college, Linus moved to Chicago, where he worked at O’Hare International Airport, (mis)-handling baggage. While in Chicago, Linus met Norma Murphy, and they were married in Elk Grove Village, IL, on August 16, 1975. The newlyweds moved to Des Moines in 1976, before moving back home to purchase the family farm in 1977. Together, they had three children: Kelly, Mathew and Justin. When not driving a myriad of cattle at top speed through the roads of Iowa, Linus enjoyed slowing down to play golf, and was also a member of a competitive pool league. His favorite pastime was engagement in “non-competitive” wrestling, swimming, and all other things involving his grandchildren. Linus was a member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church. He was also a Chapter Leader of Alcoholics Anonymous, where he recently received his fifteen-year sobriety chip.

Linus is survived by his wife Norma. Children: Kelly (Levi) Gingerich, St. Louis, MO; Matthew (Heather) Kuennen, Jamestown, NC, and Justin Kuennen, St. Lucas, IA. Grandchildren: Anica, Aila, Aralise and Adalea Gingerich; Madeline, Brielle and Hudson Kuennen; Kale Kuennen. Sisters: Mary Jane (Tom) Schweitzer, Rockford, MN, and Marge (Jim) Clark, Des Moines, IA. Brothers: Eugene Kuennen, Bailey, CO, and Merle (Jane) Kuennen, Elkader, IA. Mother-in-law: Norma Murphy, Elk Grove, IL. Sisters-in-law: Diane (Gary) Fernandez, Warrenville, IL; Kathy (Bill) Seiwert, Rolling Meadows, IL; Mary Ann (David) Bruns, Roselle, IL and Nancy (Brian) Moritz, Yorkville, IL. Brother-in-law: Jim (Chris) Murphy, Palatine, IL, along with many nieces and nephews.

Linus was preceded in death by his parents: Roman and Anna (Wurzer) Kuennen. Brother: Gerard, at age four. Father-in-law: Gene Murphy. Brother-in-law: Bob Boeche.

Source: Schluter - Balik Funeral Home database

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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