Donald H. Kuhnke
Donald H. Kuhnke, age 92, died April 2nd, 2015 at his home of Liberty Manor, Adams where he had lived the last year of his life. He was born on June 24, 1923 to the late Frank and Alma (Bublitz) Kuhnke. Donald spent his early life in Adams County and always considered that home. Losing his father at a very young age Donald took great pride in taking care of his mother and later his wife and children.
He married Helen Lobenstein, June 6, 1944 and they celebrated 50 years of marriage before Helen passed away in May of 1995. Born to this marriage were six children who all survive.
Carol (Conrad) Chaffee, Burlington, WI; Donald (Shirley) Kuhnke, Salem, Oregon; Marilyn (Tom) Sorenson, Burlington, WI; Phyllis (William) Kliss, Rhinelander, WI; Greg (Donna) Kuhnke, Owasso, Oklahoma; Stacy (David) Hughes, Bentonville, Arkansas.
He is further survived by a sister, Laverne Allen, Wisconsin Rapids, WI and grandchildren: Connie (Bob) Zinnen, Carrie (Tom) Fitzpatrick, Carmen (Jeff) Klug, Cristen (Mike) Johnson, Joel (Kelly) Kuhnke, Laura Loudon, Nicole (Mark) Thompson, Tammy Cahill, Kevin (Renae) Moran, Sonya (Mark) Schaefer, Billy Kliss, Danyel (Brad) Brooker, Haley (Scott) Kliss, Andrea, Allisa, and Sarah Kuhnke, Easton, Truman, and Matilda Hughes. He is further survived by 31 great-grandchildren (he knew that Baby Johnson would soon make this number 32) and many nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother and four sisters.
Donald served his country proudly from December 1944 until July 1945. When he returned home from the Army he went to work for Nekoosa Edwards Paper Company and worked there for 42 years missing only 4 days of work. He loved working hard and often held a second or third job to make a better life for his family. He loved working with his hands and building something as simple as a bird house or as large as a home for a family. He loved to watch the Packers and Brewers. He found great friendships in the last year of his life with all the residents and caregivers at Liberty Manor. He was often a voice at the Liberty Manor council meeting. He found great joy in helping others who had less than he or who could not help themselves.
A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 25th, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Arkdale, WI. Pastor Terri Skildum will officiate. Visitation will be Friday, April 24th, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Roseberry’s Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Nekoosa. In lieu of floral expressions of sympathy, the family suggests memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church, Arkdale.
The family would like to thank the caregivers at Liberty manor for their love and kindness extended to Donald.
Dear Carol, Connie & family, Our sincere sympathies to your family on Don’s passing. We appreciated his kind and gentle spirit and friendly manner. I apprecieated his delight in our country music . I wish I’d been able to spend more time with him, but appreciated the time we had. God bless and keep us all in his Holy Spirit and resurrection hope. In faith we look forward to what is yet ahead as we treasure the times and memories we have. In Jesus our Lord and Savior, may God bless us all.
Your dad was a joy. Smiles and laughs abundant. Mom truly enjoyed his company and his warm demeanor as we all did. We also want to thank you for all the times you stopped by Mom’s to have a chat and share a treat. All of those times were treasured by her which helped to create a sense of home away from home. We were so sad to learn of your Dad’s passing. He was “with it” and you could really have a nice conversation with him. He will be missed by many.
Our deepest sympathy to Don’s Family. May the Lord comfort all, at their time of need.
Im very sorry to hear of the loss of your father, Greg. God Bless.
sorry for your loss, I always enjoyed talking with Don. Have many good memories with all of the family.
Thoughts and prayers to you and your family
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time of sorrow. Remember the good times and celebrate his life!
Big hugs to Stacy,
Anita King
Our thoughts and prayers are with you! He was a mentor and friend for many of us growing up! Memories of your parents are all
fond ones from small kids on. May God Bless!!!
Marilyn,Tammy,Kevin and family,
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s/grandfathers passing. You all were so fortunate for all the memories he gave you during his 92 years. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Mike and Sue Moran
Greg,
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
~ Gail Nordman ~
My condolences to your family in this time of loss. Your parents were a big part of my learning years, with encouragement in sports and support in many facets in life. May God bless you and hold you close to Him in the following days.
Our condolences to Don’s family… and many friends. We were proud to call him brother-in-law for many, many years.
Joe & Sharon Lobenstein
Ruth Heitman
My deepest sympathy to all of you. I highly respected your father and he was always kind to me. I pray that you will all find peace in the knowledge that he and Helen are together again. What a joyful reunion that must have been! Your father lived well and left quite a legacy behind in all of you. Greg and Stacy, my thoughts and prayers are especially with you during this time. Peace be with you all.
CAROL/Connie/FAMILY..my condolences to you at this time..May you find peace with the Lords help at this difficult time. Remember the “good times”and live with your memories.
Sue(Buchanan) Komatz
We will surely miss Donald’s smiles and big hugs. He was a wonderful man and person with a huge heart of gold! Our condolences and prayers to his entire family.
Don and his lovely smile will be greatly missed at Liberty Manor.