Reverend Richard Kuhn

Reverend Richard Charles Kuhn, 82, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, December 8, 2018.

He was born in Richfield, Minnesota on June 12, 1936, the son of Harold Arlington and Elfrieda Otelia (Tappe) Kuhn.  From an early age, Rich was called to ministry. He graduated from Washburn High School in 1954 and the University of Minnesota in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in Interdepartmental Studies. In 1961, he graduated from Boston University School of Theology with a Master of Divinity Degree. While at Hamlin University, he began work on a Ph. D in psychology.

Rich served United Methodist Churches in Eden Prairie, Hamlin, Nashwauk and Pengilly.  At Nashwauk, he met Mary Beth Bischoff and the two were married at Community Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids, Minnesota on July 29, 1967.

The couple moved to Traverse City, Michigan in 1968 where

Rich worked with the Economic Development District and later became Director of Law Enforcement. He helped establish the Maritime Academy in Grand Traverse County.

In 1971, he served Leland and Keswick United Methodist Churches, then Frankfort/Elberta, Buchanan/Morris Chapel and retired from First United Methodist Church in St. Louis in 1998.

Since the early 1980s, Rich became actively involved in Emmaus Walks, serving as spiritual director many times and in many other capacities.  He had a similar involvement in prison ministries and Keryx fellowships.  This led to helping lead a weekly Bible study at Carson City Correctional Facility, which he did for many years.  He was member of Carson City United Methodist Church.

Rich’s hobbies included photography, wood-working, canoeing, and learning the newest technologies.  He has been honored and delighted to perform weddings for many friends and family members since retirement.  He loved a rousing game of euchre and 500 with his family and friends and also enjoyed listening to Beth's piano playing.

Rich is survived by his wife of 51 years, daughter Mary Courtney and Don Weber of West Bloomfield, son John of Okemos and granddaughter Katelyn Kallista Weber. His sister Dolores and Dewayne Zemke of Alexandria, MN, his twin brother Roger and LuAnn Kuhn of Stanley, ID,  brothers-in-law: Ty and Cheeko Bischoff, Tim and Joni Bischoff and an abundance of nieces of nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Beth's parents, nephew Lee Daniel Kuhn of Stanley, ID, and sister-in-law Ruthanne Bischoff Weyandt of Eden Prairie, MN.

A candlelight funeral service will be held at First United Methodist Church, St. Louis, MI, on Friday, December 14, 2018 at 7 P.M.  Visitation will be from 5-7 P.M.  Pastor Terri Bentley and Pastor Pat Brooks will officiate. Burial will take place in the Reverend Richard Kuhn Memorial Garden.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Commission of Relief, or UMCOR and given to Carson City United Methodist Church or First United Methodist Church of St. Louis.

Online condolences can be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, MI.