KUEHN, John A. 1931-2006

KUEHN

Posted By: Gordon Felland (email)
Date: 4/19/2006 at 16:50:26

On February 13, 2006, my dad, John A. "Jack" Kuehn slipped effortlessly into the pages of his latest paperback novel; becoming the main character on an adventure of excitement and intrigue. Now his story is told by the family narrator, his youngest son, Daniel.

Dad cherished his time with family and liked nothing better than to tell stories, listen to the latest family happenings or wax philosophic about current events. Where possible, he'd throw in a joke, usually told as a barely believable story.

Jack dearly loved my mother, Mary, and helped raise two step-sons, David Jeffrey (Jeff) and Daniel Howard Life. Mary and Jack were introduced by mutual friends, Dude and Marilyn Cremer, and were married in June of 1969. We first lived in Ottumwa, moved for a three year assignment to Austin, Minnesota, and then returned to Ottumwa, about six blocks from Mary's brother, John Frevert. My brother Jeff is married and lives in Florida with his wife, Lori. I live in Saint Paul, Minnesota with my wife, Caroline.

As a man, Jack took the vows of the Boy Scout law into his daily life, adding to 'trustworthy, loyal, helpful...' his own values of humor, thoughtfulness, patience, generosity and unconditional love. Though his courage had been tested many times, including the death of his parents, his wife of 11 years, Mary Lee Frevert, losing many precious friends and his own personal struggles with health, he remained a positive spirit for those around him.

As a son of Grafton Iowa, folks who met my dad clearly felt the small town courtesy and grace that growing up in such a special community imparted. After they got to know him a bit, they'd sense his love for language, cars, gadgets, appreciation for art, culture, and interest in far-away places such as Japan, where he served in the Army during the Korean War. He was fascinated by the Pacific Northwest and particularly the Oregon coastline.

In the years after Mom passed way, Jack befriended Hanna Jo Kyhl. Jo's family opened their hearts to share special occasions and fellowship while facing their own life challenges. Their warmth and closeness was very precious for my dad and continues to be for me.

Jack enjoyed problem solving and working with people. These two strengths served him well throughout his career. He worked as a sales representative for a number of hardware and wholesale plumbing and heating companies (Plumb Supply in Mason City, Austin, and Ottumwa) and as an estimator for mechanical contracting firm, Winger Contracting in Ottumwa, as well as Paul's Plumbing and Heating in Osage.

His last days were measured in lots of reading, listening to Garrison Keillor, Vivaldi, coffee spoons and a few scotch and waters. He would regularly hold council with his buddies at the Gobblers Roost in Grafton and pal around with his cousin, Gene Bruesewitz, at the Chevy dealership their fathers founded.

When he wasn't 'up town' he'd often kept in touch with family, including his younger sister, Barbara Hansen and her husband Jay, who live in Seattle, Washington. Barb and Jay's oldest, Eric Hansen and his wife Angela have a child, Abigail, in Albany Oregon. Barb and Jay's youngest, Jennifer Schripsema and her husband Mike reside in Korea (USAF).

Jack's younger brother, Richard and his wife, Catherine, have three children. Their oldest, Debbie, lives in Corvallis; just down the road from her sister, Laura and Joel Davis. The Davis family includes a daughter, Sarah, and son, Aaron. Michael Kuehn, Dick and Kay's youngest son, is married to wife Alaina, and reside in Glendale, California.

Jack lost his mother Clara (White) Kuehn in 1974 and his father Alvin Emil Kuehn in 1989.

Those who knew him often remark on his sense of humor, love of people and generosity. His family is grateful to the town of Grafton for being the village that raised, loved and cared for a wonderful man whose memory is alive in their hearts. Your warm embrace was Jack's comfort and anchor.

Memorials for Jack are suggested for the Grafton Depot Historical Association and the American Cancer Society.

Celebration of life services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 15, 2006 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton, Iowa with Rev. Wayne Ellingson and Irmgard Ellingson AIM officiating. Military Honors conducted by Grafton American Legion Post 616, will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the Grafton Cemetery. Following the memorial service, there will be a luncheon and story telling session at the church.

Source: Northwood Anchor, April 12, 2006