Orrin Edward Kuhn, age 90, of West Union, Iowa died on December 11, 2022, at Grandview Health Care Center in Oelwein, Iowa.
Orrin was born on June 7, 1932 in Manning, Iowa to Ernest and Wilhelmine (Rohr) Kuhn. He was the youngest of six children. Orrin was a farm kid and in his early years attended a one-room country school. After graduating from Manning High School in 1950, Orrin was drafted into the Army where he served as a cook. His years of service occurred during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1955.
Orrin found employment with Iowa Breeders. At work, he met a young woman and after a short courtship, Kay Woods and Orrin Kuhn were married on March 4, 1956, in Ankeny Iowa. Orrin credited Kay for the success of their long and happy marriage. They made Iowa their home, living in several locations, but settling in West Union for most of their married life.
Orrin spent the majority of his career working in the field of Artificial Insemination, primarily with cattle. He worked into his 80’s before retiring. He received many honors throughout his career for his outstanding work. Between the father/son business team of Orrin and Monty Kuhn, the Kuhn duo is familiar to the farming community in NE Iowa and beyond.
Orrin had a love for gardening. He shared his vegetables and crops with family, friends and neighbors. The simple pleasure of gardening brought him great joy. Orrin’s other passion was his grandchildren. Orrin and Kay attended many athletic events and recitals over the years and were shameless in their pride for each grandchild. “Papa” is remembered affectionately for his root beer floats, cookie baking, and tractor rides.
Orrin was actively involved in church his entire adult life. He was a faithful servant of the Lord who lived his values of honesty and kindness every day. He also dedicated many years to the Fayette County Fair Board and served on the local school board, as well.
Orrin is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Kay (Woods) Kuhn; his children: Cindy Kuhn of St. Paul MN, Monty (Peg) Kuhn of West Union, Kelly Kuhn (James) Donohue of Bloomington MN. Six grandchildren: Erin (Steven Kilpatrick) Donohue, Jake (Priscilla) Johnson, Cara Donohue, Jamey Kuhn, Hannah Johnson, and Jordan Kuhn. He was preceded in death by his siblings and his parents.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, December 15, 2022 at Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in West Union, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before services at the church on Friday.
Funeral Service with Military Rites will be at 1:00 pm on Friday, December 16, 2022 at Grace Lutheran Church in Fayette, Iowa with Rev. Kent Peck as the officiant.
A Private Family Graveside will be held at a later date at Oralabor Cemetery in Ankeny, Iowa.
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in West Union, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.