On April 27, 1946, a daughter was born to Realto Jacob Joseph Kuehl and Joyce Lucielle Everett Kuehl. She was named Jolene Berniece Kuehl. Brother Jeffery George Kuehl was born 5 years later. Mother and father farmed on “halves” milking Holstein cows, and raising hogs, with the profits being split with the land owner, on a farm near Elkader. Mother worked in town at the Elkader Cleaners, so Jolene helped with chores in and out of the house until she reached high school, at which time she was hired by Tom and Beth Hamilton for waitressing work at the popular “Checkerboard Café.” Jolene often spoke of the Hamilton’s kindness and generosity to her, and the other young local kids who worked for them. Like all young girls, Jolene liked nice clothes, having fun dancing with her many friends to rock and roll music (she was a fabulous dancer) and boys.
While in high school she met Gene Vigen and they were married soon after Jolene’s graduation from Elkader High School in 1964. Gene was already in the Navy, and she moved to where he was stationed in Texas until he got out in 1965. At that point, they moved back to NE Iowa, and their children were born. Kelly, Kirk, and twins Eric and Jason were all born in a span of 6 years. Jolene worked ourside the home (as much as she was able) and raised her kids with love, affection, and lots of hard work. There is a special place in Heaven for those who give more than they take. In that account, Jolene Kuehl has built vast wealth. Blessed are those who give.
Gene and Jolene eventually divorced. Jolene never remarried, but had a special friend/life partner Pat Freilinger in her life from the late 1070’s, until his passing in 2012. In the late 1980’s, Jolene and the twins moved to Epworth, Iowa, where she enrolled in a nursing school program at the local community college there. She had always wanted to go to school, and become skilled at something that would benefit her family and others. You see, Jolene was unable to escape her dedication to those who needed her help. She would eventually become a CMA, and greatly enjoyed her work in her chosen field until poor health forced her to retire in 2011.
Jolene lived out her days in Farmersburg, Iowa, where friends and family would come to see her in her home, on a “popcorn visit” to get a hug, a kiss, and an “I love you” from one of the kindest, caring, most decent people you could ever meet. Our tears are many, and they burn like fire, but we cannot be so unfair as to wish the continuance of the great suffering she has endured these past few years.
Jolene was preceded in death by her father and mother, Realto and Joyce Kuehl, life partner Pat Freilinger, and grandson Jackson Vigen. She is survived by her four children: Kelly, Kirk, Eric, and Jason, brother Jeff Kuehl, 14 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and many cousins, friends, co-workders, and all the people in this world who will miss her kind and gentle soul. Rest in peace dear lady…you have earned it.