Alfred John Kuhn

ALFRED JOHN KUHN FORMERLY OF HAMMOND, IN Alfred John Kuhn, 78, of Traverse City, MI, formerly of Hammond, IN, died unexpectedly Friday morning, January 20, 2012. He was born on August 20, 1933 in Chicago, IL to Anthony and Paula (Carstensen) Kuhn. Al was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ingeborg; and wife, Cathy "Punk." He is survived by his brother, Paul A. (Sherry) Kuhn of Lake Tomahawk, WI; children: Alfred John (Christa) Kuhn, Jr. of Huntsville, AL, Thomas E. (Kelly) Kuhn of Hammond, IN, Patricia Anne (Marcus) Maier of Forrest, IL, and Dave (Bekki) Kuhn of Colon, MI; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two nieces and three nephews. Al received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from Northwestern University in 1956 where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He was selected as a member of the NCAA All American Collegiate Swimming Team each of his four years of college. He was the 100 Yard Freestyle NCAA National Champion in 1956 and received the honor of being a Northwestern Big 10 Medal of Honor All Time Winner. Al played volleyball from 1950 to 1962 across the country and abroad. He won a gold medal in volleyball in the 1955 Pan American Games and was named All American several years. In 2009, he was awarded the USA Volleyball All-Time Great Male Player Award. Al was an Eagle Scout and involved in scouting until retirement. While serving as an instructor at an American Red Cross Aquatic School at Owasippe Scout Reservation, he met the love of his life, Cathy Cowie, who was studying to become a first aid instructor. They were united in marriage on June 28, 1958. Al served on the Hammond School Board, the Indiana State School Board, and the Hammond Sanitary District. He was also a member of the Hammond Jaycees, Kiwanis, and Optimist Club. Al worked in Chicago and Northwest Indiana until retiring in 2004. At that time, he and Cathy returned to her home town of Traverse City, MI, where they purchased their dream home on Silver Lake. Al was an avid Cubs and Bears fan. Public service and volunteerism were always important aspects of his life. He enjoyed canoeing, camping, and playing cards, especially cribbage, with his friends and family. Above all else, Al loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Visitation will be held at the Burns-Kish Funeral Home, 5840 Hohman Avenue in Hammond on Monday, January 30, 2012 from 2:00-6:00 PM. A memorial service celebrating Al's life will begin at 6:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Al Kuhn to the Owasippe Scout Reservation in care of the Chicago Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America or to your local YMCA.