Richard William Kuehl 06/17/1944-06/30/2022

Rich passed on Thursday evening June 30th, 2022, in Mercy Hospital in Rockford IL, keeping his sense of humor until the end. Born on June 17th, 1944, to William (Fritz) and Edith (Maurer) Kuehl, a graduate of Freeport High School class of 1963, where many fond memories and funny stories began. All of which are now being shared by him with the family and friends watching over us, and fondly being remembered with those among us.

In 1970 Rich and Darlene (Babler) were married in Orangeville Methodist Church, later divorce but remained together in their twilight years. They had three children together, Tamara (Tammy), William Patrick (W.P) and Timothy (Tim) and lived for many years in Cedarville Il. Rich opened Kuehl's Body Shop in 1971 and it operated through 2013, was a hard worker and took great pride in his profession. He made many friends and acquaintances through his business over the years, many of which lasted throughout his lifetime. In the earlier years he belonged to the moose club, played on as well as sponsored several bowling teams. He enjoyed deer hunting over the years, along with the camaraderie shared with family and friends. He never really stopped watching for deer, it was not unusual for him to darn near stop a vehicle while driving, to point out a herd far out in a field.

"The Pond" later to be called "Twin Pine Ponderosa" was a property purchased in Adams WI that Rich spent many weekends at to relax. Though he spent more time mowing than relaxing, it was a wonderful escape for him. There are many fond memories with family and friends that were made there.

Rich also enjoyed snowmobiling. Starting in the '70's riding with family and friends, fun times, and stories that only those present would understand and appreciate, but Rich could tell a story that would entertain everyone. Those that spent time at the shop after the workday was through, understand this the most. The time in the hours after the business shut down for the day was in many ways more fulfilling and enjoyable. Different groups of people filtered through over the years, all of which were special in their own way, but when his boys were teenagers there was a special group. Whether his role was Father, mentor, or friend, his time that was spent with these people kept him young, and he enjoyed being involved.

After closing the business, he would still spend most of his day at the shop. He started restoring old snowmobiles, to keep busy, sometimes showing them at local shows.

Regardless of trying to put on a gruff exterior, anyone that knew him saw through to the kindhearted softy he really was. He loved all animals, except snakes. It seemed he could befriend almost any animal, except once he tried to make friends with a talking bird in the local pet shop, and it told him to "shut up". On his next visit to the same pet store, the bird was stuffed which prompted a smirk and an under-the-breath comment.

Birthdays and holidays were always special to him, but he especially loved Christmas Eve. He was always a big kid at heart, and forever he will stay.

Survivors include Darlene (Babler) Kuehl, Tamara Kuehl and fiancé Dan Gilbertson, William Kuehl, sister Shirley Christensen, grandchildren Izaiah Heitter, Madison Kuehl, sister in-law Deborah (Babler) Johnson, numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.

He is preceded in death by his parents Fredrick and Edith Kuehl, sister Barb (Kuehl) Lawler, her husband Arol Lawler, brother in-law Gary Johnson, and son Timothy Kuehl.

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 14th, 2022, from 2-5pm at the Eagles Club 1200 W. Galena Ave, Freeport IL, from 2-5pm.  Friends and family are invited to attend.