Kenneth L. Kuhl - February 14, 2013
Ken was baptized Sept. 12, 1937 and confirmed May 20, 1951 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Tecumseh, Neb. He attended Grandview Grade School and graduated from Elk Creek High School in 1955. He attended Nebraska Agriculture short courses in 1955 and 1956.
Kenneth was united in marriage to Loretta M. Neujahr on Sept. 6, 1964 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Gresham, Neb. Three sons were born to this union. Ken and Loretta farmed the Grandview farm near Elk Creek, as did his father and grandfather. They raised many chickens and sold eggs to the Ford Hatchery in Tecumseh. Later, they raised and sold many feeder pigs to local farmers. After retirement, Ken raised Braunvieh cattle until his passing.
Ken served nine years in the Nebraska National Guard and became very active in Johnson County Farm Bureau, holding most of the county positions. He was elected to the Nebraska Farm Bureau Board on the first ballot and was appointed to the State Administration Board for two terms. In 1989, he became an insurance agent for Farm Bureau and retired in 2000. After retiring from the insurance business, Ken ran a vinyl fencing business for 10 years. The three crosses and preschool sign on the church property are reminders of his work.
Ken loved to write poems and received recognition from the Nebraska Farm Bureau officially proclaiming him the “Poet Laureate”. He continued to write poems for many of his friends and people he met during his daily activities.
Ken loved his music, a talent which he inherited from his mother. He sang for many weddings and funerals and played for 20 years in the “Rambler Dance Band” with the same four guys. After moving to Tecumseh, Ken joined the Beatrice Homestead Harmonizers.
Ken served many positions at St. John’s during his life. He taught Sunday School, was choir director before he was married, was on the Board of Education, an elder, participated in the Contemporary Praise Band and at the present time served as Vice-President of the congregation.
Ken also participated in the Elk Creek Alumni Play for 24 years and many of those years one or more of his sons were in the play with dad.
He enjoyed when the grandkids or the boys stopped by. They could talk about cars and fixing them, and he also enjoyed visiting about his Braunvieh cattle. Ken was very pleased with his boys and their talents. He was always willing to talk and was never a stranger to anyone.
Ken is survived by his wife, Loretta of Tecumseh; sons, Dean Kuhl of Lincoln, Duane Kuhl and wife Tisha of Elk Creek and Doug Kuhl and wife Julie of Tecumseh; four grandchildren and two step-grandchildren; brothers-and sisters-in-law, Gary and Gloria Neujahr of Gresham and Roger and Janis Neujahr of Gothenburg; nieces, nephews, many relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and twin sisters, Janice and Eunice Kuhl, who lived only one day and sister, Kathleen Kuhl who lived four months.
Funeral services were held at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Tecumseh, on Monday, February 18, with Rev. Jason Wolter officiating.
Organist Loretta Kerchal accompanied congregational hymns, “Amazing Grace” “I Am Jesus Little Lamb” and “Jesus Loves Me”. Special music was provided by the Homestead Harmonizers as they sang, “Precious Lord Take My Hand.”
Pallbearers were Sam Kuhl, Gary Kuhl, Terry Kuhl, Greg Neujahr, Kevin Neujahr and Jeffery Neujahr. Honorary pallbearers were Gerald Anderson, Steve Bartels, Richard Bane, Robert Drake, Harvey Fraser, Wayne Hervey, Steve Mommens, Ken Nelson, Roger Sanders, Les Speckmann and Loren Speckmann.
Interment was in the Tecumseh Cemetery. Memorials may go the family’s choice. Online condolences may be left @ www.wherrymortuary.com.
