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Willy Kuehn Obituary
1942-2017
Willy Fred Kuehn passed away on August 10th from complications related to pancreatic cancer. Willy was born in Corpus Christi, TX, on April 5, 1942, to Otto and Elizabeth Kuehn, German immigrants who fled to the United States during the Holocaust. He graduated from Roy Miller High School and earned a BBA and a Post Baccalaureate Degree in Accounting from the University of Houston. Willy served in the United States Coast Guard Reserves for four years. Upon graduation, Willy worked at Ernst and Ernst, rising from Staff Accountant to Senior Audit Manager and thereafter was CFO of the CHRISTUS Health/Sisters of Charity Health Care System.
Willy believed in giving back to his community. He chaired the Catholic Archdiocese's Finance and Audit Committee, and served on the boards of New Hope Housing, The Chinquapin School, Rothko Chapel, Angela House, and supported numerous other important organizations. His loving spirit, loyalty, generosity, kindness, quick wit, and sense of humor touched countless lives.
"Uncle Willy", as many lovingly called him, had a larger than life personality and lived each day to the fullest. He loved cooking, entertaining, volunteering, walking/running/biking/hiking, gardening, attending theater, hosting amazing Passover Seders, and spending time with numerous friends and family members from all over the world, who loved him dearly. These relationships are especially impressive, given his proud refusal to own a cell phone. His travel passion took him on incredible adventures around the country and the world.
He is survived by his brother, Carl Kuehn and wife Chris; sister, Louise Appleman and husband Gordon; nephew, Michael Appleman (Jen), and their sons, Samuel and James; niece, Anne Appleman Mann (David), and their children Travis, Elizabeth, and Andrew; niece, Claire Kuehn Getschow (William), and their daughters Evelyn and Adeline; niece, Carrie Kuehn Martin (Chris), and their children, Camilla and Callum, and an amazing group of friends he considered family. Special thanks to Barbara Shoemaker, who was by his side until the very end, and Sisters Hannah and Adeline O'Donoghue, his guardian angels on Earth.
A memorial service and celebration of Willy's life will be held Saturday, August 26th at 10:30 am at Villa de Matel at 6510 Lawndale, Houston, Texas, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Willy's memory may be directed to Angela House, The Chinquapin School, or Houston Hospice.
Memories and Condolences
for Willy Kuehn
Sponsored by Bradshaw-Carter Memorial & Funeral Services - Houston.
24 Entries
Joy Horak Brown
August 7, 2021
I miss Willy still and wish often I could call on him again for wise advice and to go somewhere fun for dinner.
Kathy Phlegar
August 8, 2020
Willy's service on the Board of Directors for New Hope Housing is how I met him. He was a very active Board member and, as Administrative Assistant, I had quite a bit of contact with him. Willy was always so warm and kind and helpful. It's still hard to believe such a vibrant person as he, is no longer physically with us. I'm grateful I had the opportunity to know him.
April 27, 2020
Willy! I remember myself as a child, playing with the remote control of your garage for hours!!!
Then I remember an intense political discussion in Florence...
I may assume that I was wrong ;) but the restaurant i choose was really cool, isn't it?
Than, I discovered today that we were born on the same day (4/5), what a coincidence!!!
Love,
Cristiano.
April 24, 2020
My name is Sergio Luigi Cerioli, an Italian friend of Willy. I am an accountant and worked for E & E. In 1975-76 I spent several months in Houston and Willy was my councelor, the best that I could find. My wife Cristina, my son Cristiano and myself loved him immediately. He supported us in any moment of our life in Texas. We remained in contact for many years and he came to Italy to visit us several times.My condolences to the family, Sergio
Joy Horak-Brown
August 7, 2019
Missing Willy today and many other days.
Mike Holsey
September 11, 2017
I just found out of the passing of Willy.
I made his clothes for 42 years. First in 1975
and I delivered the last June 5th of this year.
He was a funny guy full of stories of his travels and adventures. The world will miss
Willy Kuehn.
Denise
September 1, 2017
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Willy Kuehn. During this most difficult time in your lives know that Prayers are being said in your behalf. There are no words that can ease the pain of losing someone so beloved to you. May you find comfort and peace in knowing that your loved one may be in God's memory. Because those who die are precious in his eyes.-Psalms 116:15.
S.A. Henry
August 31, 2017
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
C Williams
August 26, 2017
Sorry for your loss. May you find comforting thoughts at Psams 37:29
Annie Benzon
August 26, 2017
Truly one of a kind man, Willy blessed us all with his joy filled presence and smile. His generous leadership at New Hope and at Chinquapin, created shelter for the homeless and gave opportunity to inner city youth. I take comfort knowing he is with us in spirit, and remembered forever.. My condolences to his family and close friends.
August 22, 2017
Heartfelt condolences are extended to your family at this difficult time. Seek the love and support God provides to help you cope during this time - Psalms 29:11
Sandi Goldsmith
August 20, 2017
To Carl and Louise, So sorry for the loss of your beloved brother, Willy. I remember Willy from the days when we were all just kids. I also remember your wonderful father and mother. My thoughts are with you. Love, Sandi Goldsmith
David Senior
August 18, 2017
What a great guy! I will miss my weekly live theater report from Willy at the gym.
Mary Margaret Mooney, PBVM
August 15, 2017
Wily was a grand lad, generous to a fault. While he will be missed, his contributions to his communities will last long. My sympathy to his family and close friends. I am blessed for having known him.
The Rice Family
August 15, 2017
Our shock and sadness over the sudden loss of our dear neighbor is comforted only by the thought of the rich legacy of love, friendship, and community involvement he leaves behind. Godspeed Willy.
August 15, 2017
Heartfelt condolences are extended to your family at this difficult time. Seek the love and support God provides to help you cope during this time - Psalms 29:11
Thomas Cunningham
August 14, 2017
Willy, I'm honored that invited me to your dinner party at your home only a couple of months ago with the Lemers and the Dailys and your friend from Christus. It's just like you to not even mention you were ill. You were a great friend from the day you started with Ernst in 1965. Prayers and Peace be with you. I still can't believe that you have departed. You were always one of the "good guys".
Jack Solovey
August 14, 2017
Willy was a significant individual. He was the true friend, the gentle man, the most giving and most kind and humble of all I ever met. He made the world a better place. In his own way, he made others feel their importance and worth. He will sincerely be missed. His memory a blessing to all who knew him. With gratitude and respect,
I remain.
August 14, 2017
Sorry for your loss may you you draw much comfort from God's word at Hosea 13:14. L Ohio
Elias Guerrero, MD
August 13, 2017
So saddened to hear of Willy's passing. Despite not living in TX for decades, I always inquired about what Willy was up to through my Houston friends. Many sweet memories and, one that stands out is his hosting a 30th birthday with homemade pasta from scratch for a small & intimate gathering. Willy was consummate about everything and, always with quiet modesty and humility. There is only one word to describe Willy Kuehn, he was a real mensch, not a word many in my book earn, much less retain. Condolences to his extended family, friends and community.
August 13, 2017
Willy was a great man, a wonderful boss and a very good friend. I will remember him always.
He and our mutual friend Carter Blake, also deceased and missed, were the 2 best bosses that I had ever experienced. He was a devoted runner, as was I, until "age and aches" caught up with us! But we continued to walk.
Willy was inspiring. He told me when he was my superior at CHRISTUS, that he trusted me and he knew that I was a professional and honest and asked that he "never be surprised" but not "over report" to him. I followed his wishes and learned from that lesson...if you trust someone, delegate and do not micro-manage!
One only has to read today's Sunday Houston Chronicle to see that Willy was a consummate professional that gave back his talents in so may ways, to his friends and community! I will pray daily for Willy and remember the man...the true legend.
God Bless Willy and his family.
Larry O. George
Kathy Phlegar
August 13, 2017
Willy was a delightfully warm and funny friend and colleague during my time as Office Manager at New Hope Housing. When the sad news came, I cried for myself and for the community of friends and organizations he served with love and devotion. Goodbye for now, dear Willy.
Kathy Phlegar
Barbara Grove
August 13, 2017
I know how loyal and supportive Wille was to his close friends, and what a generous and gracious host he was to me, a guest of his theater group and a guest at his holiday get together. I know him as very welcoming, putting me at ease; and I know him as a gourmet cook, very active and giving in non profits, and I loved his beautifully deisgned house. I introduced him to a neighbor of his who lives the next block over in Bellaire. He was open to new friendships and very close and involved with his long time, old friends. I'm so glad that Rima George and Barbara Schumacher were there to be with him and help hom to the end; and I have enjoyed meeting more of his big circle of friends and fine family.
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
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Memorial Events
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Aug
26
Memorial service
10:30 a.m.
Villa de Matel
6510 Lawndale, Houston, TX
Funeral services provided by:
Bradshaw-Carter Memorial & Funeral Services - Houston1734 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77098
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