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Alvin C. Kuenn

Alvin Kuenn Obituary

Kuenn, Alvin C.
76, of Sun City West, passed away December 20th, 2008. Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, and Friend. He is survived by his wife of 55 years,Elaine, Sons Allan and Arnold, daughter Kathryn, Grandsons Adam, Bradley,and Kyle, Granddaughters Hillary, Hannah, and Karlee, Great-granddaughter Isabella and his brothers Herb and Don and his sister Lucille, and his many nieces and nephews. Alvin and Elaine moved to AZ from OH in 2002. Visitation will be held on Dec 22nd at 9:30 with the service at 11:00 at Camino del Sol funeral chapel 13738 Camino Del Sol, Sun City West. Family requests contributions to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, 85014, in lieu of flowers.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Dec. 23, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Alvin Kuenn

39 Entries

Sophia Morton

December 17, 2022

Al was a true gentleman. I always liked spending time with him. I' sure he and Larry are together again. Sophia

Jim and Veda Kropp

January 13, 2009

Meeting Al and Elaine shortly after moving to Sun City West lead to many adventures and laughs golfing, going to the various shows, traveling and of course eating out.
Al was a wonderful person and very dear friend. We will truly miss him and hold these memories close to our hearts.

Melody Ehrlich

January 12, 2009

I'm never sure how to start something like this. I'm just writing to let all of you know we're thinking of you. I'm so glad Al & Elaine came to visit us last summer. It was so nice to talk with them. I'm so sorry I couldn't come to Arizona. He was there to help our family at anytime. I've read several of these postings and I agree, he was a strong, loving and caring man with a great smile and sense of humor. I love you all and know that he's watchnig over all.

Carol Costanza

January 6, 2009

To the entire Kuenn family - I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad, husband and grandfather. I have so many great memories of Mr. Kuenn from when we were growing up. He will be missed greatly.

Love from Carol, Randy & Brooke Costanza

Hillary Kuenn

January 4, 2009

Alvin C.
Children always enjoy the summers of their childhood. They are full of excitement and playtime that lasts until past bed time. The summers of my childhood are not full of memories with friends or going to the mall. My memories are of the time spent with my grandfather and brother, and sometimes our cousins, in Valley City, Ohio.
After flying on a plane for eight hours, my brother and I would grab out luggage and get into my Grandmother’s car. It was a huge, silver boat that had automatic windows. We would make the windows move up and down by pushing on shiny, pointy buttons.
We drove from the airport to my Grandparents house. We followed a road that was full of curves as it wound through fields of corn, meadows, and dense forests. The roads flew over hills, and when traveling at just the right speed, gave you the instant sensation of needing to urinate. My favorite part of the drive is the long driveway that leads to the house. My Grandparent’s mailbox is on the left hand side of the driveway. It used to be a cute little white house with ducks, but someone smashed it with a baseball bat one summer. Now it is a huge gray simple mailbox. My Grandfather filled the inside with cement so that the next person who hit it with a bat would learn a lesson.
Their two-story house is white with a big red front door. All of the windows have blue trim and shutters to match. The driveway moves between the front of the house and a small pond with a wooden bridge. A bridge my Grandpa built himself. It continues behind the house to a huge blue barn that has a manual garage door. The old building is rusty around the edges and always smells of freshly cut wood and gasoline. Attached to the barn is an all-glass green house. The stone driveway circles the house and passes a screened in porch that faces a beautiful garden. The garden is full of flowers, tomatoes, grape vines, pear trees, and vegetables.
This house where I spent my childhood summers is my Grandfather’s dream home. However I’m not sure if it was the home of his dreams or the home he dreamed of for his family. Knowing him, most likely it was both. His grandchildren left their mark on his home every summer. The barn was transformed into a very intricate fort, full of tunnels and hidden passages. The driveway in front of the barn had a permanent black mark from all of the campfires that had taken place. The old Chevy pick-up truck that was parked in the barn had a huge dent in the tailgate because he decided to teach me to drive one summer. His greenhouse had window panes missing from the afternoon games of baseball. There were holes in the ground from where trees used to live. They would still be living today however they had encountered a blow to the side from the golf-cart one too many times. However I don’t think that he ever seemed to mind the toll his home took every summer. He seemed to have dreamed a house perfect for his grandchildren. In our eyes, he is the perfect Grandfather.
I will miss you, Grandpa, my greatest inspiration to live my life to fullest. My reason to smile everyday and my drive to be successful.
Hillary

Elizabeth and Andre Esguerra

January 3, 2009

Our prayers are with you. We are friends of Kathy's and she always spoke kind and loving words about her dad.

Tiffany and John Tichenor

January 1, 2009

Our prayers are with you. Al was a great man who will be missed deeply.

John Brewer

December 30, 2008

Al,
You were a great role model to me and a loving grand father to my children. We were all blessed to have you in our lives. I often tell people that I want to follow your lead by helping people when they need help and to always be there for them. You never waited to be asked to help. I will try to live by that example and pass it on to Kyle and Karlee and as I do I will smile and think of your great smile and warm hand shake. Thank you for all of the memories that you have left for me, Kathy, Kyle and Karlee to share. You will always be in our hearts.

Your knuckle head son in law

John

Don & Trudy Wilmink

December 30, 2008

We will miss Al greatly and all the fun times we have shared with you both. Know that our prayers are with you.

Todd Alexander

December 29, 2008

Al was a great guy to work with. He was one of the salesman I really liked when when I was in installation(the other side of the fence) and especially when I went into sales and got to ride with him as part of my training. Just a great,easy going and very guy !!

Bob and Gina Zielinski

December 29, 2008

Elaine and the Kuenn Family:

I met Al when I started with Patio Enclosures, Inc. in December, 1988. Although none of the established salesmen wanted "another" salesman, Al always treated me with respect and tried to make things easier for me instead of more difficult. For that I will always be grateful. I was envious when he retired and knew it was only a matter time before he permanently re-located to Arizona to be with family. For Al, it was always about family. With his passing, he is now the third "Patio" salesman to leave us too early, starting with Jimmy Hall in 2006 at age 58, and my brother Rick on April 30th this year at age 51. Our prayers go out to you - your Dad was indeed a good man!

Thelma Chandler

December 29, 2008

I worked with Al at Patio Enclosures..He always had that grin of his when he came into the office ..always ask about my family
He was a kind and generous person ..always a gentleman..I was sorry to hear of his passing..but I know I share that feeling with many others..
My thoughts are with Elaine and the family at this time

Sandy & Gary Byers

December 29, 2008

I'm so sorry for your loss and the loss of a great man. I never saw him with-out a smile or kind word. He was always full of energy and a zest for life. I know the smile and joy he has brought to many will stay with them all their lives and that he is one of Gods new angles.
I continue to pray for his family and love-ones.
God Bless
Sandy & Gary Byers

Kurt and Christina Kuenn

December 28, 2008

I never knew my uncle, but it's obvious by reading these posts that he made a very positive impact on his family and friends. I am certain that Al enriched the lives of all he knew, and I regret not having my own personal story to share.
Aunt Elaine and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Enjoy all the wonderful memories.

Dallas and Karen Spruill

December 27, 2008

We only met Al and Elaine a few times on their trips to Wake Forest, visiting Kathy and her family. What a loving couple, an inspiration to see a couple so much in love after 55 years. We know he will be greatly missed and so fondly remembered. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Dallas, Karen, Sam, Erica, and Emily

David T. Decker

December 27, 2008

Dear Friends,

Al Kuenn was a role model to me. We shared many personal interests and have been watching him since I was a kid. He has always been that person through life that I could ask myself “what would Al Kuenn do”? That would always be a good answer. I appreciated his gentle demeanor and his bold sense of direction in life.
Of all who knew Al I know none who did not Love him. A great man of Sincerity, Truth, and Strengths he left a lasting mark on this world. He was an inspiration to me as a friend, father and Businessman. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten. I am proud to have been considered a friend of his and to his family, whom we love and hold in highest regard. May God’s grace shine on his family and watch over all that knew him during this difficult time.

Sincerely,
David and Jean Decker

Larry & Sophia Morton

December 27, 2008

To Al's Family:
I was officially introduced to Al when I joined the sales department at Patio Enclosures. That was in 1982 and we became fast friends quickly. We shared gardening, lumberjacking, driving on little and big trips, and telling stories about lots of stuff. It was always a positive time being with Al and Elaine.
We missed the times together when they migrated to Arizona, but kept in touch by phone. We also visited each other, and that was always a great time.
We almost forgot to sign this book in the Christmas season, but we will never forget Al. He was indeed a wonderful man, and left a good impression on all.
With Sympathy and Love,
Larry and Sophia Morton

Dear Elaine, I pray that your next few weeks are not too difficult. I will be thinking and praying for you.
Love, Sophia

Medina, Ohio, now in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

Annette & Craig King

December 26, 2008

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
- From a Headstone in Ireland

When you meet any one of the Kuenn clan, you realize there must be a pair of incredible parents that knew their legacy would be their children. Big Al's legacy couldn't be more emphatically immortal.

Bob, Deb, Matt, Keely, and Allie Brewer

December 26, 2008

We all always loved being around Al as he had a constant smile on his face and could brighten up a room. He and Elaine remind me of Debbie and I by being High School Sweethearts and were more in love every day of their lives together. Al and Elaine had a great life together and we all mourn his death for selfish reasons but rejoice knowing that he has met God and I'm sure was told "Well done my son".
Love and Deep sympathies...

Owen Paepke

December 26, 2008

I did not know Big Al as well as I would have liked, but to know him even a little was a pleasure. We used to play poker once a month with his sons and friends when he was in town. Whenever I heard Big Al would be at the game, I got a little smile. It wasn't close to his smile, though. Win or lose, he loved the company and the chatter.

You can tell a lot about a man from his children. His sons Al and Arnie and his daughter Kathy are about the best calling cards I could imagine leaving behind.

Big Al, I'm sorry we've all lost your smile. You will be missed by many.

R.I.P.

Gay & Don Hinnen

December 25, 2008

Al. .. We tried to write this before Christmas Eve and give it to Santa to drop off in Heaven on his way back to the Northpole, but with all the activity we have going on here in Keystone, CO with our family reunion, Santa was here and gone before we knew it... so, we will send it by a special angel to deliver it you... Gay and I were saddened by your departure from this earthly environment but are happy that you are in the Lord 's heavenly kingdom... we will miss the SCW Couples golf tournaments with you and Elaine, the Friday night "all you can eat" fish dinners at the Crooked Putter Restaurant, the ice cream sundaes at the Dairy Queen, and working together at Habitat for Humanity... but most of all, we will miss your friendship, your words of wisdom, and your wonderful personality... Love, Gay and Don Hinnen... P.S... we understand St. Peter has the universe's best designed golf course and there should be a lot of excellent golfers there to help you with your game.

Harold Kuenn

December 25, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you experience the loss of
a loved one.Alvin will surely be
missed by all who knew him.

Harold,Shirley, and Brian Kuenn

Madeline Baehr

December 25, 2008

So many happy memories of the fun times we shared, golfing, trips to Vegas, Toronto, etc. will always be there for us when we think of Al. We have missed you both so much since you moved to Arizona.

Love, Ted & Maddie

Stan Turpin

December 24, 2008

I will always remember Al as being kind, generous, thoughtful, and most of all, friendly.
I will miss his big smile and unmistakable laugh. I am truly thankful to have known such a wonderful man.

Dennis Kane

December 24, 2008

Dear Kuenn's

Mr. Kuenn was some great guy. He lives in his wonderful wife, kids and grand kids. I will always remember his gentle way.

Nan Holton

December 24, 2008

To Kathy and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. While I did not know your father, I know how you loved him and admired him and respected him. He was your Dad! I envy the relationship you shared with your father. I know that you were blessed by it and that he was blessed by having you as his ever loving daughter. Carry his memories in your heart, share them with your children, laugh often, cry when necessary, and continue to honor his life by the way that you live yours! You are loved!

Nan

Bill Decker

December 24, 2008

I grew up in Olmsted Falls where Al was an important part of the community. Over the years he established himself as a man of integrety, morales and common sense.

I was a good friend of his son Arnie and spent many nights in their basement shooting pool, listening to music and enjoying the guys.

My Mom and Dad were bowling partners with Al and Elaine for years and were good friends for many years. The laughs those four had over the years can not be measured.

Al and Elaine created a family that most describe as the perfect family. Every Kuenn that we know is very nice, calm, caring and fun. You can not help but like the children Al and Elaine raised.

Al was his own man and did not depend on others to make a living. He pasted this along to his kids.

He was a great man and he will be missed!

Bill and Judy Decker

Bob Schneider

December 24, 2008

I am sorry to hear about Al's passing.
He was a very good person and a true gentle man.

Arnie, mom, dad, Al, Kathy on 12/08/07

December 24, 2008

Al at his 75th birthday (12/08/07)

December 24, 2008

Andi Kuenn

December 24, 2008

Dear Dad,

I will never be able to come up with the right words to tell you how important you were and always will be in my life. I've told you many times how you filled a void by becoming the father I always wanted and needed. You accepted me into your family some 30 years ago and never once did I feel like an "in-law", I was your daughter.

You drove me to interviews for jobs downtown when I was too immature and afraid to get myself there on my own. You came to my rescue when the pipes burst in our first home and I wasn't sure I turned the water off correctly. You came and put the blue Ford truck all the way in park for me so that I could get it started again because I couldn't figure that darned thing out for myself!

I can go on and on and will never be able to express the love and respect I have for you. I miss you so much that it just plain hurts.

Hillary and Brad were so blessed to have you for their Grandpa - and they knew it too. They have always been so proud that every kid wanted you for their Grandpa - but you were really theirs. And, just as giving as Allan, Arnie and Kathy were about sharing you, Hillary and Brad shared you with many other children that absolutely worshipped the ground you walked on.

You will be missed so much - I love you,
Andi

The Zagnonis

December 24, 2008

Al was a great man...the Kuenn family is a great family! All of our best wishes...

Arnie Kuenn

December 24, 2008

Dear Dad,
I will miss you more than you can imagine. As many have said over the past few days, you were one great man. Always there with a smile, always knowing just the right thing to say, always leading by example.

I love you.

Arnie

Mike and Laura Radigan

December 24, 2008

our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mr Kuenn was a wonderful father, husband, grandfather and friend who will missed by all

Elaine Shaker-Parisi

December 23, 2008

My deepest sympathy to you all. May Mr. Kuenn's memory warm your hearts and bring you peace.

Mark and Jill Spanulo

December 23, 2008

Dear Kuenn Family,
Your Dad/Husband will always be remembered for his smile, outgoing personality and graciousness. Our family has many fond/fun memories. God Bless, watch over and protect your family.
Love, Mark, Jill, Alyssa & Rachel

Tom Monahan

December 23, 2008

Hi everyone,
so sorry to hear about Big Al, one thing I remember about Mr. Kuenn is when you guy's were putting in the pool and he was sweating is butt off trying to put the liner in and I was talking to him and at the same time trying to peak over the side and coul'nt see him. To him it was like this little voice coming from the sky. He finally looks over the side with this face full of sweat and the look of "get in here and help or keep it quiet. i immediatly ran home and had my mom make him a glass of ice tea and took it back to him, he thought that was nice. my favorite thing about the pool was the dirt mounds he put in the back of the yard and we used the dirt piles to play a game I think allen came up with called shell out , How bout that for a memory.

Love Tommy, Sue and Casey Monahan ( Brunswick, OH)

Ken and Carolyn Horvat

December 23, 2008

Our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers are yours. May God bless you all at this most difficult time.

Love,

Lois Wolfe

December 23, 2008

Elaine and family, I send my deepest sympathy and love.
Lois Wolfe

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