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Alfred Kuhn Obituary

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.
Published by The Times on Jan. 25, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
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angus uland

November 17, 2021

I am his great-grandson and I was 2 when he died I never really met him.

Charlie Chiamardas

February 3, 2012

Dear Kuhn Family,
I did not know Alfred nor did I ever meet him. I was glancing upon the obituaries in my Lambda Chi Alpha Cross and Crescent Magazine when Alfred's caught my eye. Alfred was my Frat Brother of a different time and different place, but, I see he did and loved many of the things that I too enjoyed and had great passion for. I too was a collegiate All-American Swimmer and very active in scouting as a child and as an adult. You must be so proud of Alfred. He seemed to achieve things that other men could only dream of doing. The work and passion is so evident in accomplishments. I send you my condolences with heavy heart and great admiration.


Sincerely,
Charlie Chiamardas
PI 63 Shepherd University 1983

Shelly&Craig Mcmaster

January 31, 2012

To all the Kuhn Children You all did an Excellent Job on your Fathers Memorial Finest I've ever seen He was Highly Respected & Will Be Missed.

January 27, 2012

Tom, condolences from the Swibes Family.
-Don Swibes

Susan Leasher

January 26, 2012

Al, our sincere condolences are sent your way to you and yours in the passing of your father! May you find peace and comfort in the days ahead...
Susan & John Leasher

Cliff&Kristy Fountain

January 26, 2012

Al,so sorry for your families loss.Our thoughts are with with you at this difficult time.

January 25, 2012

So sorry for the lose of your father. I know you will miss him. Judy Winowiecki of Traverse City (a classmate of your mother)

January 25, 2012

Tom,sorry for the loss of your father, my thoughts and prayers to the entire family. Carrie Maginot

Robert Keefer

January 25, 2012

I knew Al in the Hammond Jaycees many years ago. He will be missed.

Joe Nowak

January 25, 2012

I am sorry for your loss,Al will be missed.Be strong!

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