James ‘Jim’ Kuhn, 86

Sept. 12, 1936 —

Dec. 3, 2022

 

CRESCO - James “Jim” Kuhn, age 86, of Cresco, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, surrounded by family at home.

Memorial Mass was held on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, with Fr. Jacob Rouse officiating.  Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery at a later date.  

James Robert Kuhn, Jr was born on Sept. 12, 1936, to James and Alice (Riehle) Kuhn in Fort Atkinson, Iowa.  He was the oldest son of eight children and grew up on a farm, where he worked baling hay, threshing oats and raising livestock.  More importantly, he was known as a loving and caring brother whose nickname was “Sonny.”

On June 27, 1959, Jim and Mary Ann (Kuennen) were married in a double wedding, along with his brother, Robert Kuhn, and Mary Ann’s sister, Helen Kuennen, at St. Lucas Catholic Church.  

Shortly after their wedding, Jim was drafted to the Army and served two years for his country, stationed in Baltimore, Md.  Following his service, Jim worked for Balik Implement in Spillville as a parts salesperson.   Together, the couple pursued a life-long dream of farming, by purchasing a farm near Lime Springs, Iowa where they milked 80-plus dairy cows and crop-farmed 240-plus acres.  He was also a Pioneer Seed Dealer.  

Throughout the years, the couple was blessed with five children (Alan, Duane, Diane, Denise and Donna).  They retired from milking in 1993, then Jim worked at Donaldson from 1994-2002 as a line technician, while crop farming.  

They fully retired in 2012 by selling the farm and moved to Cresco, where they enjoyed the “city life.” They shared 61 years of marriage before Mary Ann passed away in July, 2020.

Jim was involved in multiple organizations including the Assumption Parish Church Council, Notre Dame School Board, Knights of Columbus and the Howard County Dairy Council.  He used his carpentry and woodworking skills to help build the original Moo Mobile for Howard County and help with various projects for Assumption Parish.  

He built countless wood games, bird houses and prom and theatre props for his children and grandchildren.   He would manage to sneak in a few Sunday fishing/picnic trips to Minnesota with the family during farming years, and once retired, Jim and Mary Ann purchased a travel trailer and fishing boat in Waterville, Minn. where he enjoyed fishing and the comradery of the surrounding retired community.   

Jim loved attending his grandchildren’s school and sporting events, along with listening to Mollie B Polka every Wednesday and Saturday evenings.  He will be remembered for his delicious fried fish, homemade potato chips, slow-roasted ham and Stir-Crazy popcorn.

Jim is survived by his children Alan Kuhn of Richfield, Minn., Duane (Carrie) Kuhn of Forest City, Iowa, Diane (Keith) Krentz of Cresco, Denise (Dan) Fitzpatrick of Eugene, Ore. and Donna (Denny) Liekweg of Sully, Iowa;  grandchildren, Justin Kuhn, Andrew (Maranda) Kuhn, John and Joe Krentz, Lexie (Landan) Paulsen, Kaylie (friend Trey Van Weelden), Jon (fiancé Taylor Palmer) and Carter Henry, Connor (friend Ellie Osterberger), Aidan, Reese and Kellen Fitzpatrick and Dylan and Deven Liekweg; siblings, Alice Barloon, Richard (Becky) Kuhn, Joanne Hageman, Rita (Roger) Fjelstul, Helen (Fred) Williams and Jeannie Kuhn; as well as many brothers and sisters of Mary Ann Kuhn.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; three brothers, Robert, Gerald and Art Kuhn; and many other extended family members.