Linus Kuennen

Linus Kuennen

 

 

 

A Mass of Christian Burial for Linus J. Kuennen, 68, of St. Lucas will be celebrated at 11 a.m. today (Wednesday, Aug. 22) at St. Luke Catholic Church in St. Lucas.

Visitation was set for 3:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21, at St. Luke Church, as well as 10-11 a.m. before the service today.

Burial will be at a later date.

Linus died Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018, on the family farm.

Schluter-Balik Funeral Home in Decorah is in charge of arrangements.

Linus Joseph Kuennen was born on June 9, 1950, the son of Roman and Anna (Wurzer) Kuennen, in Decorah, IA.  

He attended St. Luke’s Catholic School through his junior year and then graduated from Turkey Valley in 1968. After high school, Linus attended Iowa State University, where he was a proud member of the ISU wrestling team. Linus graduated from ISU in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science degree in dairy science.  

After college, Linus moved to Chicago, where he worked at O’Hare International Airport, (mis)handling baggage.  

While in Chicago, Linus met Norma Murphy, and they were married in Elk Grove Village, Ill., on Aug. 16, 1975. The newlyweds moved to Des Moines in 1976 before moving back home to purchase the family farm in 1977.  Together, they had three children, Kelly, Matthew and Justin. 

When not driving myriad cattle at top speed through the roads of Iowa, Linus enjoyed slowing down to play golf, and was also a member of a competitive pool league. His favorite pastime was engagement in “noncompetitive” wrestling, swimming, and all other things involving his grandchildren. 

Linus was a member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church.  He was also a Chapter Leader of Alcoholics Anonymous, where he recently received his 15-year sobriety chip.     

Linus is survived by his wife Norma;  children Kelly (Levi) Gingerich of St. Louis, Mo., Matthew (Heather) Kuennen of Jamestown, N.C., and Justin Kuennen of St. Lucas, IA;  grandchildren Anica, Aila, Aralise and Adalea Gingerich, Madeline, Brielle and Hudson Kuennen, and Kale Kuennen;  sisters Mary Jane (Tom) Schweitzer of Rockford, Minn., and Marge (Jim) Clark of Des Moines, IA;  brothers Eugene Kuennen of Bailey, Colo., and Merle (Jane) Kuennen of Elkader, IA;  mother-in-law Norma Murphy of Elk Grove, Ill.;  sisters-in-law Diane (Gary) Fernandez of Warrenville, Ill., Kathy (Bill) Seiwert of Rolling Meadows, Ill., Mary Ann (David) Bruns of Roselle, Ill., and Nancy (Brian) Moritz of Yorkville, Ill.;  brother-in-law Jim (Chris) Murphy of Palatine, Ill.; along with many nieces and nephews.  

Linus was preceded in death by his parents, Roman and Anna (Wurzer) Kuennen; a brother, Gerard, at age 4; father-in-law Gene Murphy; and brother-in-law Bob Boeche.              34u34

 

 

 

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