Obituary

Donald R. Kuehl of West Bend passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the age of 99, just weeks shy of his 100 ^th birthday. He was born on November 9, 1925, in Fond du Lac, the son of the late Rudolph and Emily (Hassinger) Kuehl. On November 12, 1947, Don married Shirley Lichtensteiger. They were blessed with 62 years of marriage, and he lovingly cared for her until her passing on February 8, 2010.

Don grew up on farms in St. Killian, Lomira, and Mayville. In 1946 he began working at the West Bend Company, where he remained until his retirement in 1988. After retiring, he stayed active by driving for local car dealerships. In addition to caring for and spending time with his family, Don enjoyed the companionship of his dogs, Nippy, Chalet, Snowball, and Sheba. He also spent countless hours fishing, woodworking, playing sheepshead, and tending his garden, being especially proud of his peach tree. Don and Shirley loved dancing to big band music and polkas. They also enjoyed traveling, including trips to Hawaii and Europe.

Don will be sadly missed by his son, Terry (Julie); grandsons Kevin (Jen) and Christopher (Katy); great-granddaughters, Caroline and Evelyn; daughter-in-law Arlene; step-granddaughter, Michelle (Ed Jr.) Wolf; step great-grandchildren, Miranda (Andrew) Heim, Eddie IV and Katelyn; step great-great-grandchildren Ben, Lily, and Violette Heim; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley; son Gary; his parents; sisters Evelyn (Richard) Thiemer and LaVerne (Harold) Uelmen; in-laws Leo and Charlotte (Glass) Lichtensteiger; and brothers- and sisters-in-law Edward (June) Lichtensteiger, Amatta (Ray) Keller, and Donald (Mary Ann) Lichtensteiger.

Visitation will be on Monday, October 27 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. at St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church, West Bend. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. with Fr. Brady Gagne officiating. A private entombment will take place at Ledgeview Cemetery in Fond du Lac.

Don's family would like to thank the dedicated team at New Perspective Senior Living, West Bend, for the kindness shown and the care given to Don during the nearly five years he lived there, as well as the Horizon Hospice team for their compassionate care during the last months of his life.

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