Racine – Christian John Frederick Kuehnl, age 37, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at his home on Friday, Dec. 27, 2013.
Chris was born in Kenosha on February 7, 1976 to Linda Marie (nee: Desideri) and Kenneth Louis Kuehnl, Jr. He attended schools in Kenosha and Racine and graduated from Washington Park High School. Chris was a proud member of the United States Marine Corp, faithfully serving our Country in Okinawa Japan. He received the Rifle Sharpshooter Badge and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans-Chapter 20 Kenosha.
Chris was all heart and soul and lived every moment to the fullest. To Chris…a stranger was a friend he hadn’t met yet. He gave generously of himself to friends and family. His passion for helping people was reflected in his tireless volunteering, especially investing in the lives of the youth in our community. He loved coaching youth sports in various leagues and St. Catherine’s Middle School. He enjoyed working out at the gym, fishing, was an all- around sports enthusiast and an avid Chicago Bears Fan. Above all, he was a devoted father and cherished being with his entire family.
Surviving are his children, Colvin Kuehnl and Kathrin Savage; parents, Linda & Rick Cate and Kenneth & Linda Kuehnl; sister, Amy Edwards; brother, Philip Kuehnl; step-sister, Sara Cate Smith (Edward); step-brother, Jason Richard; nieces and nephews, Skye Edwards, Alex Kuehnl, Charles Kamp, Addison Richard and William Richard; aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Chris was preceded in death by his grandparents, Emilio & Claire Desideri and Kenneth & Ann Kuehnl, and his step-brother, Gene Cate.
Funeral services will be held in St Lucy Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, Racine, on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at 1:00 PM with Rev. John Fleming officiating. Visitation will be in St. Lucy’s Church on Saturday from 10 AM – 1:00 PM. Interment will take place in Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Union Grove, with military honors on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at 10:00 AM. Donations to the family will be appreciated.
A heartfelt note of thanks to all our family and friends for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.
JENI HEYDEN says
I am so glad I was able to meet you and hang out with you and J. You boys were so funny and full of life. You were called home way to soon. I will remember your genuine laugh and smile for the rest of my life. I will always smile replaying how you two were on Christmas eve(laughing and sharing stories). Im very sad to have to say bye so soon. So…until next time..you stay a guardian angel and keep smiling.
For Christian family. ..what an absolute amazing man, friend. Sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Jen
say bye so soon
JENI HEYDEN says
I am so glad I was able to meet you and hang out with you and J. You boys were so funny and full of life. You were called home way to soon. I will remember your genuine laugh and smile for the rest of my life. I will always smile replaying how you two were on Christmas eve(laughing and sharing stories). Im very sad to have to say bye so soon. So…until next time..you stay a guardian angel and keep smiling.
For Christian family. ..what an absolute amazing man, friend. Sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Jen
say bye so soon
Elizabeth Benn says
Sending my deepest sympathy to the Kuehnl family in this difficult time. Know that you have many supporters out here should you need anything.
Melanie Mordhorst says
I was blessed to have know Christian growing up and will always remember him for his Cheshire grin and fond memories of shenanigans. He grew into a strong man and great dad.
He gave some much more to others than himself. True man of honor.
“THE MEASURE OF A MAN: Not – “how did he die” But – “how did he live” Not – “what did he gain” But – “what did he give” These are the units To measure the worth Of a man, as a man.”
Our collective hearts are heavy with sympathy. Mel, Ray, Gwen & AJ
Jamee Quirk says
So sad, he will be missed but never forgotten <3
Our deepest condolences to his family.
My Mother adored him when she was alive she looked forward to every meeting w/him & Colvin & so did our kids! He helped me through my mom passing ...I'm greatful for that.
I'm sure he's enjoying their conversations again <3
Chuck Ernst says
I am so sorry for your loose Cuz, Chris’s energy and kindness will be missed by our family.
Aidana & Quinten says
Aidana & Quinten says
Christian – Thank you for simply being you! Q & I greatly appreciate the time you took out for us. You will truly be missed. I pray for strength to all those you have touched, especially your family! Mahalo
Michael Payan says
God Bless you Christian and your family.
Tina Sibley says
I am so very sorry to hear of Christian’s passing. May your loving memories of him help ease your pain during this difficult period.
Le says
Much to young to be gone, my deepest sympathy, may the promise at Rev.21:1-5 comfort and may the tender memories bring smiles in the coming days.
Stephen Cathy Harvey says
With love and prayers to all the family. Uncle Stsephen and Aunt Cathy. XOXO
Frank & Sharon Eser says
We are so sorry for your loss. We met Christian thru our children ( Jason & Adam )he was always such a nice and kind person,he talked a lot about his children you could tell he was very proud of them. He left a lasting impression on us,we were blessed to have known him.
Amy says
Awww Chris. I can’t believe this. It’s not fair. We will make sure your kids are ok. Thanks for being my brother and Best Friend. XOXO
Thomas A. Klein says
The comrades of DAV Chapter20 wish to express their sympathy. May he rest in peace.
Thomas A. Klein
Chaplain
DAV Kenosha, Wi. Chapter 20
Lisa Bogle says
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss.
Dave Rabine says
All our Prayers & Heart Felt Condolences to the Family, may God bring you all His Peace.
Patty says
Ken and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
May he reast in peace.
Patty, SR and DAV transportation program and DAVA state dept.Hugs to u all
Barbara Riegelman says
We were so saddened to hear of Christian’s untimely passing. We lived next door to him until ’11. We enjoyed watching him enjoy his times with Colvin. It can only be imagined the loss that Colvin will feel. He was a good neighbor & always there to help. May you find your paradise in leaving this Earth. Semper Fi!
Luane Kohnke says
Christian,
You will be missed by all, but especially your children and loving father. May I find you again, in another life. All my love.
Auntie Luane
Kevin Boone says
Very sorry for your loss will keep your family in my prayers. Once again very sorry.
billy chaney says
great friend,gonna miss you buddy.
Carlene & James Lee says
We are so sorry for your loss. What a tragic loss for your family – You are in our thoughts & prayers
Marie Frederick says
Please accept my deepest condolences for your family’s loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you.
James Hutchison says
Rest in peace brother!! Guard the streets of heaven with pride!! See you on the other side!!
Julie & Ravi Velasquez says
34558262
Al Labelle says
Deepest Condolences from myself and DAV Chapter 57.
Joshua Gonzales says
It hurts to lose a brother. My heart goes out to the kids and his family. I am going to miss you. All the things we did together…..all the shenanigans we got into. R.I.P.
Iris Rodriguez says
I had not seen or talked to Christian since elementary school. I was lucky enough to reconnect with him in August of 2013. In those few months, he made a huge impact in my life. He was a positive spirit at the exact moment I needed it, and he will never be forgotten.
You were an amazing and caring individual. I will miss you dearly Christian. Always “Safe and Sound”!!
Sending my deepest sympathies to Christian’s family. You are in my thought and prayers.
Brittany Kelley says
My condolences to you and your family. Life does not make sense and losing someone as young and loving as your own child is tragic. You are in my thoughts and prayers in hope that you find relief and comfort soon. Brittany
Colvin Kuehnl says
Dad, you were the best man to ever live. You passed away giving us such a short notice. My father was a loving and caring man and he wouldn’t have wanted us to cry. He would have wanted us to be as strong as he was. I love you and miss you daddy and we will see you in your new home with God very soon. Love your son Colvin David Louis Kuehnl
Mike Weaver says
Christian was like a father to me, he would give me things I needed for sports including food and clothing. I never got to really thank him for it. I loved him like a father and am greatful to have his son Colvin in my live. Even if he is gone I still love him like he is here with us. Love your other son Mike
Noemi Zavala says
Chris you left too soon. I thank you for giving me a great son. He will deeply miss you. I know that you are in heaven watching over Kat and Colvin. Your beautiful children will always have a Guardian Angel.
Jessica says
Chris, I will miss all of the happy times we had together as a family. I finally knew what it was like to have a brother. I will miss you so much but your legacy will continue through your children and nieces and nephews. I will always try to be as kind as you were to strangers. See you again someday. Love, Jessica
Alex Rijos says
I’m sorry Colvin for your loss.. even though I just met both of you this year he was very nice. His short life reminds me to hug my mom and dad every day. I’m here for you if you need me.
Philip Livingston says
Shocked and saddened. May all the worlds love surround this family in this unexpected disaster. May God’s love shine in your hearts. I also pray the family is able to laugh together in honor of Christian.
Bill Anderson says
The person that wrote “a stranger was a friend he hadn’t met yet” was right on. Christian approached me at the gym out of nowhere and we started talking. We found that we were the same age and had mutual acquaintances. That was 2 years ago. Since then we talked every time we were working out. My heart goes out to his loved ones. And for his kids….Daddy always talked about you. He is proud of you.
Colvin Kuehnl says
Yes dad we all loved you and we still love we miss you and that’s all we can do. But even if he’s gone even if my dad is gone, just remember he was a great father,man,uncle,brother, cousin,or even coach. He’s always been a big part in my life and still is but all I can say is he’s in heaven watching over all of us smiling down on us and that’s all we need from you dad. I miss you dad. Love, Colvin David Louis Kuehnl.
Vanessa Bergum says
My sincere condolences go out to all of Chris’s family. He will be missed by many people! R.I.P.