Richard Lee Kuehne

Richard L. Kuehne, 95, of rural Orchard, Iowa, died Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Faith Lutheran Home in Osage due to complications of a fall. A life-long resident of Mitchell County, Richard was born on November 27, 1929, in Osage Township, Mitchell County. The son of Robert and Florence (Balsley) Kuehne. The family became complete when Dorothy was born. Robert and Florence purchased a farm in West Lincoln Township where Richard and his father built a new home. Richard was a proud member of the Osage High School Class of 1947, where he participated in wrestling and FFA. His father Robert passed away in 1952, Richard and his mother continued to farm. At a roller-skating rink in Mason City, Iowa, he met Marlys Kreimeyer, originally from Ackley, Iowa. They married on September 9, 1961, in Mason City, and moved to a farm half a mile east of his mother’s place. There they farmed and raised their three children: Doug, Jay, and Janet. He sold Pfister seed corn along with farming. Marlys sadly passed in 2018. Despite “retiring” from farming about 20 years ago, Richard remained interested in farming practices and helping Jay out as often as his health permitted. He loved to reflect how he had been from coast to coast of the United States, but his favorite place was the camper near Lake Pepin in Lake City, Minnesota. Richard was a longtime member of the United Church of Christ in Osage and was a lifetime member of the Masons. Richard was preceded by his parents; beloved wife, Marlys; daughter, Janet (Kuehne) Spitz; brother-in-law, Robert Nauman, and an aunt, Mary (Balsley) Opperman. He is survived by his sons, Doug (Deb) Kuehne, Jay Kuehne; seven grandchildren, Alaina Kuehne (Christopher Lambertz), Greg (Danielle) Kuehne, Bradie (Tim) Chwirka, Jacey (Justin) Tuel, Cole Kuehne, Nathen Spitz, and Taylor (Joel) Vaske; four great-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Nauman; and many nieces and nephews. He set his goal to live to the age of 90 and succeeded wonderfully! A gathering of friends and family will be held on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at Champion Funeral Home in Osage from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Richard and Marlys’s cremains will be interred in the Spring at Osage Cemetery in a private family ceremony. Champion Funeral Home of Osage is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.schroederfuneralhomes.com.