Heaven gained another hero on Monday, June 26, 2023, when Richard “Dick” Arlen Kuehl, 90, of Prophetstown, IL, formerly of Morrison, IL, died at Allure of Prophetstown[, IL.]
Dick was born December 18, 1932, in Morrison, to William and Luella (Burch) Kuehl. He was educated in the rural Whiteside County grade schools and was a 1951 graduate of Morrison High School. While growing up, he farmed with his father and delivered milk in the early morning hours, for the local dairy. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served from 1952 to 1955, during the Korean Conflict. He was on the front lines and also managed telecommunications. He entered the Marine Corps with his best friend, Harvey Ottens. Following their service to the Country, they returned to Morrison together, where they have remained best friends. Dick married Karen A. Boucher on September 2, 1956, in Morrison. He worked as a lineman and later as a computer technician for the Morrison Telephone Company, retiring in 1994. While working for the telephone company, Dick also worked at Climco and was an active member of Morrison United Methodist Church. He loved sports, especially football and baseball, and whenever a game was on, he was watching it. In his younger years, he played Baseball and Fast-Pitch Softball and was a very successful pitcher. He was a great bowler and bowled in many leagues, on weekends and in tournaments. He also taught himself how to bowl after losing his eyesight. One of his greatest joys in life was watching his kids and grandkids play sports. He enjoyed camping, the outdoors, and animals, and he especially loved to socialize. Dick survived many obstacles and portrayed the role of hero many times in his life to his family and friends.
Survivors include his wife, Karen; daughters, Laurie Jo (Gary) Taylor of Morrison, Lynn Renee (Steve) Akker of Mt. Morris, IL, and Shari Lynn Hanz of Erie, IL; son, Timothy Arlen (Mari) Kuehl of Grayslake, IL; nine grandchildren, Jason (Brittney) Klotz, Brandon Thomas Klotz, Jason (Katie) Akker, Andrew (Martha) Akker, Justin Hanz, Megan Shari Hanz, Jenna (James) Bennett, Melissa (Chris) Redfern and Shaun (Stephanie) Kuehl; four step-grandchildren, Jason (Cathy) Taylor, Zachary (Kristie) Taylor, Carli (Matt) Ward and McKenzie (Jacob) Askew; eleven great-grandchildren; nine step-great-grandchildren; brother, William “Billy” H. Kuehl, Jr.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and their spouses, Robert (Betty) Kuehl, Kenneth (Jenny) Kuehl, and Raymond (Peggy) Kuehl; sister-in-law, Darlene Kuehl.
His Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at Morrison United Methodist Church with Rev. Sun-Ah Kang officiating.
A Visitation will be held prior to the service, starting at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, July 6. The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
Interment will be held at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison, IL, with military honors.
A memorial has been established.