Harold Kuhn Obituary
Harold was born May 8, 1933, to the late Rev. Forest and Grace (Tomlinson) Kuhn in Detroit. After graduating from Buckley High School, Deane answered the call of duty and served his country in the United States Army. On Oct. 19, 1957, he married his wife of 53 years, the former Fayma A. Steed.
Deane worked at Traverse Motors as a very successful car salesman before opening Dean's Auto Sales (the first car lot on U.S. 31 South). He then expanded into motor home sales and founded TC RV. He was a 100% born-and-bred salesman in dress and also in actions. He loved selling motor homes and cars, and was always focused on making the next sale, before eventually retiring after several attempts.
Deane was a longtime member of West Bay Covenant Church, the Elks Club, and the Family Motor Coach Association. In his spare time he enjoyed traveling, camping and playing the organ. Deane also had an artistic flair and was a talented artist and painter. He loved his toy collection and took great pride in acquiring the fanciest motor home, jazziest car, or beautiful boat. It was not so much the toy, but the thrill of the hunt!
Deane loved to listen to music, especially Big Band and Jazz. He could often be found at Don's Drive-In, KFC, or Mode's for their famous prime rib. He loved his double Whoppers with cheese! Deane will be greatly missed by his friends at Big Boy. He spent many mornings eating breakfast there giving everyone a hard time. He also enjoyed watching movies at the cinema and playing slots in the casino with his wife Fayma.
Deane will be greatly missed by his family which gave him great joy. He was so proud of his children and all that they accomplished.
Deane is survived by his wife, Fayma; his daughters, Kathee (John) McCafferty of Traverse City, Debra (Dean) Clem of Okemos; son, Michael Kuhn of Traverse City; brother, Dennis (Patricia) Kuhn of Buckley; sister, Darylene (Ron) Eli of Ohio; daughter-in-law, Laura Kuhn of Marquette; and six grandchildren, Alexis, Jillian, Courtney, Caitlyn, Madison and Matthew.
A memorial service celebrating Deane's life will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at West Bay Covenant Church, with Pastor Dick Rabine and Pastor Kent Anderson officiating.
Memorial contributions in Deane's honor may be directed to West Bay Covenant Church.
The family would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the staff at Bortz Health Care, especially Wanda and Joe who, like the entire staff, cared for him as if he were one of their own family members.
Please share your memories of Deane with his family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com
The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Judy LaCross
November 12, 2009
I send my condolences to you Fayma, and family, in the passing of your Dean. I shall never forget as a teen waitress in the old Big Boy Restaurant (now Mables)how you and Dean would bring the children in for breakfast on Sunday mornings, all dressed to the nines, and the warm and happy way you treated me as your server! The tips were always appreciated and to this day you are warm and friendly, and still remember me in our brief encounters. I shall never forget you and Dean. May he rest in peace.
With warm thoughts and prayers,
Judy Weber LaCross
Lou Wilson
November 5, 2009
Fayma,
We are very sad to hear about Dean, he was very special. I always enjoyed working with him at Dean's. He was very loveable, always had a hug for his friends. Remember, he will be waiting for you with open arms, when it is your time. May God get you and your family through this time of sorrow.
Love, Gordon and Lou Wilson
Jan Hamlin
November 5, 2009
Kathee, I'm so sorry to learn of your fathers passing. He was always a "trip" when he came into the dry cleaners. Take care of your mother and may God be with you at this difficult time. Jan Hamlin
November 5, 2009
Fayma, Deb, Kathee and family,
Dean was such a tremendous inspration in my life, in the years that I worked for him and with him. We had a lot of laughs together for many years and I will always remember him and all of you. I am very saddened of his passing, and my heart goes out to all of you for his loss. He had a way about him, that once you met Dean, you could never forget him! God Bless all of you. Bruce & Sandi Parker
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Jolene Bennett-McClellan
November 4, 2009
Fayma,Kathee and family,Sorry to hear of Dean's passing. I have many fond memories of Dean and spending time with kath. I loved the time we all went to St.Clair Shores to do some work on the boat.Mr and Mrs Kuhn always made me feel like family. I am positive that Dean is wheelin and dealin in heaven!May you find comfort in the many wonderful memories!
Laura Kuhn
November 4, 2009
Fayma, Kathee, Deb and Mike,
I was shocked to hear of Dean's failing health last week and saddened to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I have many fond memories of Dean, especially his remarkable sense of humor. He touched so many lives. Dean will truly be missed!
Mike Marois
November 4, 2009
You know how Readers Digest used to have the most unforgettable people feature as a regular feature? Well Dean was one of those people. He was an incredibly charismatic individual whose presence changed any room immediately and few people forgot an encounter with him. I had the pleasure of being both a co-worker and a friend to him and he will forever be remembered by myself and family as being a colorful and witty man with a heart of gold, generous to a fault, and a person who enjoyed life with abandon. My heart and prayers go out to Fayma and their family to cope with this loss while celebrating their blessing of being a large part of the joy in this remarkable persons life. Let me know if there is anything we can do to help.
Terry Gotts
November 4, 2009
Fayma, Kathee, Debbie and Mike,
I am so saddened to hear of Deans passing. I will always remember all of the fun we had as all of us kids were growing up and traveling together to Florida and on boat trips. Dean's sence of humor kept us all giggling. He would always play the piano when you two and Mom and Dad would come home after dinner out. That was great. My thoughts are with all of you. God Bless
November 4, 2009
Dear Jillian,
I'm sorry to hear about your Grandpa's passing. My thoughts are with you at this sad time. It's been wonderful getting to know you. Visit often. Take care.
Deb Korreck
November 4, 2009
Dear Kathee,
I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. My thoughts are with you and your family at such a difficult time.
Your co-worker Deb
Tonia Steed
November 4, 2009
Aunt Fayma, Kathee, Deb, and Mike--My dad just let me know that Uncle Dean has passed away. I remember his bear hugs and how he kidded me about getting married, then about having kids. Of course once I was married and had Sophia, he always found something else to kid me about. Always left me smiling. My thoughts are with you--With love from Tonia, Vic, and Sophia
Libby Tomlinson
November 4, 2009
My dad Larry worked for Deane, his cousin, for many years and he was taken care of well. Growing up, Deane always called me "Peanut" when I came into the showroom, greeting me with a smile. My sympathies to all the family.
November 4, 2009
Deb, Dean, Court, Cait and Mo-We are sorry about the loss of your Dad/Grandfather. Remember of all the good times you shared totgether and wonderful memories you will have for a lifetime. Know that we are thinking of you and your family. All our Love. The Hoags
November 4, 2009
Fayma and family,
We are so sad to hear of Deans passing. We have you in our thoughts and prayers.May God bless you and help you through this time of sorrow.
love, Barbra Griner Mikowski, Jim Mikowski
November 4, 2009
Debbie, so sorry to hear about your Dad.
May the happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time. Remember you have friends who will listen and are there for you if you need anything.
Bryan and Kelly Jackson and Family
Maxine Nielsen
November 4, 2009
Fayma, Kathee,Debbie & Mike,
We are so saddened losing Dean, as he was our very best friend. We will always remember our fun times traveling with both of you. We will miss him so much when we come up to T.C. We give you our love and strength to heal you. May God Bless You All.
Love, Max and Willie
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