James F. “Jim” Kuehl, 83, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018.
Jim was born in Gillett on April 29, 1935, a son of the late Frank and Norma (Larsen) Kuehl. He attended local schools and was a graduate of Gillett High School. Jim served briefly in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, returning home to help his ailing father run the family businesses, Kuehl’s Furniture and Funeral Home. Jim would later focus on running the furniture store while his brother, Armin, ran the funeral home.
Jim was a great lover of baseball and was a left-handed pitcher. He once tried out for the Atlanta Braves. Jim also spent over 37 years as a letter carrier for the post office. In addition, he ran several taverns and other area establishments, including the Legion Arcade as well as River Island Country Club, of which he was a member.
Jim was an avid golfer and an even bigger Packers fan. He and his wife, Rita, traveled to Las Vegas many times over the years. Jim played lots of golf with family and friends and was the winner of a number of tournaments and club championships. He enjoyed cards and gambling and was well known at many of the areas establishments to stop in for their daily games, etc. Jim loved to live and play hard and fast. He will be sadly missed.
Jim is survived by his children, Tom (Michelle) Kuehl, of Green Bay, Steve Kuehl, of Stiles, Gary (Calla) Kuehl, of Fond du Lac, Laura Kuehl, of Suamico, and Kevin (Sonja) Kuehl, of Green Bay; his stepchildren: Kristine (Russ) Johnson, of Germantown, and Thomas (Lori) Casey, of Menasha. He also leaves 11 grandchildren, 6 step-grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, three step-great-grandchildren, his former wife, Joann, nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Rita, and his brother, Armin (Jerry Ann) Kuehl.
Friends and relatives may call on the family on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, from 9-10:45 a.m. at Legacy Funeral Chapels (formerly Kuehl Funeral Home), 108 E. Main St., Gillett. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Wanderers Rest Cemetery, Gillett.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Atrium Post Acute Care of Evergreen at Shawano for their kind and compassionate care of Jim.
For more information please visit LegacyFuneralChapels.com or call 920-855-2144.