Eugene Donald Kuhns

EUGENE DONALD KUHNS, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, age 83 of Waseca, peacefully went home to milk the Lord’s dairy herd surrounded by his family at Foxdale in Waseca, MN on December 7, 2025.

Eugene was born on January 22, 1942, to Donald and Verna (Klampe) Kuhns. He was raised with an unwavering work ethic, a deep appreciation for dairy farming and the land, lessons that shaped his entire life. After meeting at the Kato Ballroom, Eugene married the love of his life, Yolonda “Lonnie” Vulcan on August 17, 1963, and together they raised a family with a belief in faith, hard work, and love.

A lifelong resident of rural Waseca and forever a Waseca Bluejay, Eugene lived most of his life on his farm. He took great pride in being both a dairy and crop farmer. Caring for his cows was more than an occupation - it was his calling and his joy. Spending time in the barns brought him great pride and a sense of peace. Eugene’s dedication extended to his community as well, where he served on the Meridan Shippers Association board, Waseca Public School Advisory boards, Wilton Cemetery Board and the Wilton Township board for many years. He presented the Waseca High School Class of 1960 scholarship numerous times.

After retiring from milking cows, Eugene found a second purpose by becoming a bus driver for Lenz Bus Service. He enjoyed driving students to their events and especially loved his special education bus route, where he cared for the students like his own. Everyone loved driver “Gene.” After his daily morning bus route Eugene could be found talking about farming and drinking coffee with his friends at the Pheasant Cafe.

Eugene enjoyed watching high school basketball, but his love of sports grew to include anything his children or grandchildren were playing. Eugene and Lonnie traveled all over the area to watch them on the field, court, or mat, and were their biggest fans.

Family was at the center of Eugene’s life. He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Lonnie; his children: Yolinda (Kevin) Meister of New Prague, MN; Keith Kuhns of Monroe, SD; Gwen (Scott) Krueger of New Richland, MN; and Dan Kuhns (Marah Ryks) of Waseca, MN. He was a proud grandfather to Ariel (Matt) Bromelkamp, Brady (Ammani) Meister, Bryan Kuhns (Heather Foote), Melinda Kuhns, Jacob Kuhns, Tessa (Charlie) Royce, Bailey (Ben) Hendrickson, Buck Kuhns, and Siri Kuhns. Eugene was further blessed with 13 great-grandchildren, each holding a special place in his heart. Also grieving Eugene is his brother, Lyle (Judy) Kuhns of Waseca; and his in-laws Raleen (Curt) Tolzmann of Cleveland, MN; Douglas (Heidi) Vulcan of Lincoln, MT; Dennell (Pam) Vulcan of Mahtomedi, MN; Kollett Kaehlert of Mankato, MN; Ray (Sue) Vulcan of Nicollet, MN; Leland (Diane) Vulcan of Mesa, AZ; Bryan (Darla) Vulcan of Rapid City, SD; David Vulcan of Mankato, MN; and Troy Vulcan of Mankato, MN, as well as numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Verna Kuhns, his in-laws, Raymond and Juanita Vulcan, and his brother-in-law, Bill Kaehlert.

Eugene will be remembered for his devotion to his farming, his love of all things red-especially tractors, and his love for the most important things in his life - family and the herd he cared for. His happiest moments were spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, sharing stories, playing games, and sharing his life lessons.

He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and love that will be cherished by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and his memory will remain forever in the hearts of those he loved.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at the Third Street Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Services in Waseca, and will continue for one hour before the service at the church on Friday.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 12, 2025 at St. John Lutheran Church in Waseca, with Rev. Ashley Kuhlman officiating. Interment will follow at Wilton Cemetery.