Jean Marie Kuehl

Jean Marie Kuehl was called home by our Lord on Wednesday, May 11, 2016.

Jean was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin on November 19, 1931. She was baptized as a child of God at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Sheboygan, where she also received a Christian education and was confirmed in the faith. Jean graduated from Sheboygan Central High School and continued her studies at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, majoring in related art. Soon after graduation, she married Duane Kuehl and they began their new life together in Milwaukee, WI, moving to Brown Deer in 1959. Jean and Duane continued to reside at the same address for the next 57 years, where they raised their family and enjoyed making many new friends.

Jean returned to school after her children were older, receiving a Masters degree in Library Science. Her love of childrens’ books led her to a job selling for the Gareth Stevens Company. Jean also developed some secretarial skills, working as a jill of all trades for Duane W. Kuehl, CPA.

Jean’s faith was demonstrated in how she lived her life. She was a very giving person, who enjoyed sharing her talents with others, especially at her church. Over the years, Jean was involved in Ladies Guild, choir, Advent/Lent dinners, church librarian, book club, OWLS, and Chrismon construction. Jean enjoyed the arts of all kinds, from dance and ballet, concerts, musicals and opera, and the visual arts. She was a wonderful baker, a fan of the Wisconsin Badgers, a voracious reader, and she loved to garden, go on walks, spend time with friends and family, and visit Lake Michigan.

Jean is survived by her husband of 61 years, Duane, daughters Karla (Les), Janet (Bob) and granddaughter Alyssa, Lisa (Mike) and son Tim (BJ) and granddaughters Jenna and Andrea (Dara) and great-grandsons Kiernan and Casey. She is further survived by her sisters Ethel and Carol, sister-in-law Audrey, along with many nieces and nephews and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her brother, Donald and brothers-in-law, Carl and Merle.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 4, at St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brown Deer. Visitation from 1:00-2:45, with the service to follow at 3:00.

The family wishes to thank the staff and volunteers at Angels Grace Hospice for their exemplary care during Jean’s last days. Jean graciously donated her body to the Medical College of Wisconsin, in hopes that new discoveries can be made to help those with the diagnosis of cancer.

At Jean’s request, memorial gifts may be directed to Wisconsin Lutheran College for adult fine arts programs, St. Mark Lutheran Church, metavivor.org, the family for the purchase of a bench on the Oak Leaf Trail or the charity of one’s choice. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.