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Donald Anthony Kuzma

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Donald Kuzma Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 21, 2009.

Kuzma, Donald Anthony ("Kuz") Died July 29, 2009 in Bend, Oregon. Born in Ely, Minnesota on February 15, 1927, For more than 40 years, "Kuz" taught history and philosophy, challenging his students to think critically and deeply. After a short stint teaching in Biwabik, Minnesota, he spent most of his working career in Bloomington, Minnesota, teaching at Kennedy, Lincoln, and Jefferson high schools. An enthusiastic and inspiring teacher, he possessed a boundless curiosity and love of knowledge and reached students from many different backgrounds and abilities by bringing out the very best in each of them, and encouraging them to do more than they thought they could. He retired in 1989 and moved to Bend, Oregon. Not one to rest on his laurels, he pushed himself to hike the mountains and wild places near his new home, and wrote a historical novel," Lazo's War," which was published by Infinity Press in 2005. He continued reading and learning (and arguing) as long as it was possible, spending his time keeping up with political events, learning about quantum physics, and writing poetry. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Yvonne, three children Mark (Sandy), Scott (Sarah Hefte) and Dawn (Alex Houlding), and three grandchildren, Matthew Kuzma, Colin Houlding, and Laura Houlding, as well as 8 siblings. He lived to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable, and his mischievousness, keen intelligence, and great heart will be deeply missed by all of us who loved him. A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, September 11th at the First Unitarian Society on Mount Curve in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The family requests no flowers and asks that any memorial donations go the Sierra Club.

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Recent Activity

February 12, 2025

M.W. Tyler posted to the memorial.

September 7, 2021

Garry DeArmond posted to the memorial.

September 14, 2009

Roberta Moore posted to the memorial.

12 Entries

M.W. Tyler

February 12, 2025

I created Philosophy Tweet on Twitter in 2009 and today I have some of the biggest influencers in the world from Ricky Gervais to the Press Secretary of the United States following PhilosophyOn X. Without Kuz it would never have happened. I can still remember he made me read Jean-Paul Sartre's obituary out loud to the class. I took his teachings to the globe. Condoléances to all.

Garry DeArmond

September 7, 2021

Mr. KuzmaWas the single best teacher I have ever had! He was my Greek God Zeus and inspired me to become a great man with a great mind. He did have an eye for talent and ability, and would get excited about it! And challenge you to think in ways you had never done before. I was fortunate that he would always read my papers in class, and he would only pick a couple. He enjoyed the way my brain worked. We had a special philosophy class with some extremely intelligent dudes in there:) We were the class of 1981, Thomas Jefferson Jaguars ! Undefeated in hockey that year too:) I was very lucky to have taken that philosophy class and get Mr Kuzma. I’ll always remember him and his excitement for life and knowledge.

Roberta Moore

September 14, 2009

My deepest sympathy to the whole family but especially to Dawn. I loved Kuz - he was one of the 2 most meaninful teachers I had and I was lucky enough to have both Kuz and Warren Magnusen at the same time - impacting me for a lifetime. I always felt that Mr. Kuzma felt we were important and valued and he never had the hardline - I'm a teacher your the student attitude. I loved the mini-classes he taught in mod scheduling at Jefferson and often learned more from them than some of my regular credit classes. He taught me a world view and a tolerance for different cultures and view points and the 19th and 20th century movements class still impacts the way I look at this country and its leadership. I have often thought of him as I have gone on in life and I will continue to with only smiles as his smile lit up even the darkest day.. Thank you Mr. Kuzma for touching my life and thank you Kuzma family for sharing him with all of us!!! Roberta Moore, Jefferson class of 72

Norm Setnicker

September 7, 2009

My condolences to the Kuzma family.Don was my world history teacher and baseball coach in Biwabik, Minnesota in the late 50's (Class of 1959). I became a teacher largely due to the influence of Don. In fact, Don was probably the mentor and "favorite" of everyone in the class of 59. Not only was he challenging but he was a brilliant motivator. Through his efforts with Biwabik Swim Team he brought prominence to the school and the community of Biwabik by winning the State Swimming Competition against classic powers such as Edina, Rochester, etc.
"Kuz" was the best-He loved the Greek Gods and to me he was the all knowing Zeus and the glorious sun god, Apollo with the good looks of an Adonis. His influence will continue for many years. Norm Setnicker

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James Roth

September 3, 2009

My condolences to the Kuzmas including Mark and Dawn. Kuz was an enormous influence on me and my siblings, Kay and John. His classes were challenging and he forced students to think and analyze in ways that most teachers do not. He had reading lists that far surpassed anything I was given in college. His history, philosopy and "19th and 20th Century Movements" prepared students to be citizens in a challenging and ever changing world.

The 1960's and early 1970's
were challenging times and he provided inspiration and guidance far beyond the classroom. He was one of my early political mentors.

When I was in college and even law school professors would often ask me who my teachers had been. I listed three, Don Kuzma, Joe Tufigno and Bob Shannon.

Today I am an international human rights lawyer and activist and much of my learning and passion goes back to Don Kuzma.

We greatly miss him but are grateful for his legacy.

Robin Penrod

August 27, 2009

One of my fondest memories of Lincoln Sr. High is sitting in one Kuz's classes. He had a way of making you feel like you counted in the classroom. He taught us to reason through a problem. He made you want to come to class and participate. He believed in you, so you wound up believing in yourself. My favorite Kuz quote, "Genius is the ability to discern the obvious".
My condolences to the Kuzma family and especially to Mark.

Ken Jensen

August 26, 2009

Kuz awakened an intellectual curiosity and showed me how a teacher can change the world for the better. I kept a photo of him in a corner of my classroom to remind me each day of the power a teacher has to make positive changes in a student's life and how to teach. When my students asked me who he was I told them about what a great teacher and inspiration he was to me. In this way--and other ways-- his influence will extend far beyond his students.
My sincere condolences to my friend of many years ago, Mark, and the rest of the family on the passing of this great teacher, loving father, and husband.

Pat Boehland aka Felicia Farr

August 24, 2009

Kuz pushed us to challenge the given and explore the alternatives. He treated his students with respect and taught us to think on higher and higher levels. His wit in the classroom kept our attention and made history fun. I will forever remember him as one of my favorite teachers. It is sad that he is gone but his legacy will live on in his students' lives.

Sandra Kacher

August 24, 2009

He jolted us awake with his wonderful teaching. He was original and challenged us to think critically. I read more source material in high school history than I read in college classes--in fact, I had a minor in history (thanks to his inspiration) before I realized I didn't actually LIKE history. He was a rare and gifted teacher and I hope to see members of the Philosophy Club at his service.

Jan Parks

August 24, 2009

Sorry to hear the news. I taught English at Jefferson, and I knew and enjoyed Kuz from 1970 until 1989. I knew him when I was a first-year teacher, and I loved hearing him speak at our spirited faculty meetings as well as Federation of Teachers meetings. Such an eloquent and lovely man! My best to the family.
Jan Parks

D.K. Harkins

August 24, 2009

I too was sad to read that Mr. Kuzma passed away. He was a well-known and energetic teacher at Jefferson High School where I attended, and he always supported girls' athletics, particularly basketball. He will be missed and remembered.

LC Anderson

August 21, 2009

I was sad to read this, although I never had him as a teacher I always wished I had. He inspired all who were lucky enough to have his class and 30 years later I still recall their conversations after leaving his class. You described him perfectly and I hope the memories you have of him will help you through.

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