Lucille Cecelia Kuen

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Lucille Cecelia Kuen, who left our world on Friday, September 12, 2025, just short of her 97th birthday.

Born to Alvin and Amelia (Schabel) Sterr on October 9, 1928, in the Town of Lomira, our mom was a woman of quiet grace whose strength and constant support were the foundation of her family. She taught us not to rely on material possessions, but to be content and peaceful with one another. Mom lived her life with remarkable grace and humility, never seeking the spotlight. She created a loving home filled with the aroma of homemade cooking and baked goods daily, where all were welcomed and nobody left hungry.

She was a master gardener in every sense of the word. Her vegetable gardens fed her family and many visitors for years. Her flower gardens always brought a sense of hope, and she believed that talking nicely to the plants helped them flourish. She brought the same care and attention to her family.

Beyond her cooking, baking, and green thumb, Mom was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, parishioner, beloved neighbor, and friend. Her family was her greatest pride and joy, and she was always in the stands cheering on her children and grandchildren, once even attending three events in one day.

She was united in marriage to Sylvester Edwin Kuen on February 15, 1958, in Lomira. Together they built their life in Brownsville where they raised their four children, Bonnie, Jeff, Bev, and Debbie. Dad preceded Mom in death on November 21, 1985.

Mom’s memory will be forever cherished by her four children, Bonnie (Richard) Pahl, Jeffrey (Tracy) Kuen, Beverly (Thomas) Philipsky, and Debra (Mark Bodden) Stortz; ten grandchildren, Tristan Pahl, Brandon (Emily) Pahl; Bradley (Carly) Kuen, Kari (Evan) Wachter; Jennifer Immel, Nicholas (Robyn Shober) Philipsky, Heidi (Scott) Wieck, Nathan (Kristina) Philipsky; Eric (Kristin) Stortz, and Adam Stortz; nine great-grandchildren, Carson and Beau Philipsky, Kaydence and Keegan Wieck, Jack and Weston Philipsky, Julia and Charlie Stortz, and TJ Pahl; sisters-in-law, Cyrena Sterr, Carol Kuen, and Eunice Kuen; dear friend and neighbor, Lori Beck; her favorite canine companion, Rocky; and many relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mom was preceded in death by her three brothers, Roman (Hildegard) Sterr, Milton Sterr, and Earl (Helen) Sterr; sister, LaVerne (Ervin) Giese; mother and father-in-law, Arthur and Edna (Franke) Kuen, brothers and sisters-in-law, Milton (Viola) Kuen, Hilbert (Betty) Kuen, Roger Kuen, Elvira (Clem) Peters, Merlin (Arlene) Zimmel, and Norman Kuen; son-in-law, Stephen Stortz, and grandson-in-law, Kenneth Immel.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Hope Health & Rehabilitation Center for the care and kindness Mom received from them in the last year, and to hospice for their grace and compassion these last few days. Lastly, a very special thank you to Lori Beck for being the best neighbor and friend to our mom.

We invite family and friends to join us in celebrating Mom’s beautiful life on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. at Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service, (350 Main Street, Lomira, WI 53048).

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 5:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (653 Milwaukee Street, Lomira, WI 53048) with Father Nathaniel Miniatt officiating the Mass.

Mom will be missed, but her legacy will live on. The recipes and flowers she shared will be a constant reminder of her love, humbleness, and selflessness.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Lucille’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book can be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.