Rev. Dr. Donald Kuehle

The Rev. Dr. Donald Lawrence Kuehle, 90, of Jackson died Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, at his home surrounded by loved ones.

He was born Jan. 13, 1934, in Tilsit to Lawrence and Louise Johanna Roloff Kuehle. He and Karen Kuehle were married on May 26, 1968. They had two children, Laura (Alan) Stanfill and Aaron (Julie) Kuehle.

Don had one sister, Marilyn (Gaylon) Stutts. He grew up on the family farm, which dates back to 1844. Don attended Tilsit Grade School and was a 1951 graduate of Jackson High School. In 1961, Don received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Social Sciences from Southeast Missouri State College. In 1964, Don graduated from Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois.

Don was ordained a minister in the United Methodist Church in June 1964. For 40 years, he pastored churches in Anniston-Dorena, Hayward-Wardell, Esther-Libertyville-Womack, Scott City-Commerce, Illmo, Potosi-Mineral Point, Hannibal: Arch Street-Hydesburg-New London (conference office), Fredricktown and Fenton. After retiring in 1999, Don served as interim pastor at Cape Girardeau (Maple), Perryville and Whitewater.

While growing up, Don was active in 4-H, FFA and RYO (Rural Youth Organization). He was state RYO president for a term.

In 1980, Don earned his doctoral degree in radio ministry from Drew University. For 15 years, Don had his own radio show, "The Open Door". In 1991, Don began writing a weekly column, "Good Thinking", for many newspapers across Missouri.

For 37 years, Don directed a youth camp — Kuehle Kamp — at Epworth-Among-The-Hills in Arcadia. He was also active in United Methodist Fellowship, holding offices locally and on the district and conference level.

Don enjoyed all kinds of music — hymns, country, folk, jazz, pop, classical and some rock and roll. He was a bass singer in the Zioneer Men's Quartet at Zion United Methodist Church. He also sang in the church choir.

Don enjoyed gardening and seeing things grow. He once planted 100 varieties of tomatoes. Don was also a collector of rare and not-so-rare books, vinyl records, cassette tapes and 8-track tapes.

Don enjoyed the good life God gave him. He was a Los Angeles Dodgers fan. He loved basketball, Pepsi, family and God (not necessarily in that order). Now Don is enjoying life at the highest level.

Survivors include his wife, Karen Kuehle; son, Aaron (Julie) Kuehle; daughter, Laura (Alan) Stanfill of Terre du Lac; and three grandchildren, Avery Stanfill, Wesley Kuehle and Evie Kuehle.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Kuehle; mother, Louise Johanna Roloff Kuehle; and sister, Marilyn Stutts of Jackson.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Visitation will continue from 9 a.m. until the funeral service time at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at Zion Methodist Church in Gordonville, with Pastor Scott Griffin officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery

Memorial contributions may be given to Zion Methodist Church of Gordonville or Old McKendree Chapel.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.