Robert John Kuhta

1939 - 2024

Robert John Kuhta

November 28, 1939 - January 12, 2024

Richland, Washington - Bob Kuhta, 84, passed away on January 12th in Kennewick, WA. He was born on November 28, 1939, in Iron Mountain, MI, lived in Salt Lake City, UT then moved to Palo Alto, CA when he was twelve. Bob graduated from Palo Alto High School and played two years of baseball for Menlo College, transferring to Washington State University in 1959 where he met the love of his life, Karen Jo Miller. Bob and Karen were longtime residents of Prosser, WA, before moving to Richland, WA in 2014.

Graduating from Washington State University in 1962 with a degree in Civil Engineering, Bob and Karen were married in Prosser in 1963 and welcomed their first child in 1964. After numerous transfers and the birth of two more sons, the couple moved from Mica Creek, BC, Canada to settle down in Prosser in 1969.

Bob started his career with Guy F. Atkinson Construction before joining the Benton County Washington planning department as an Engineer/Planner. In the 1980s, he went to work on the Hanford Reservation as an Engineering Manager at N-Reactor and K-East/K-West. In retirement Bob certified as an agent for Medicare insurance policies, helping numerous friends and neighbors navigate their choices for over a decade.

Bob was active in his community throughout his life, as a Scoutmaster for BSA Troop 643, volunteer for the Sacred Heart Catholic Church building committee, and keen supporter of cross country, wrestling, basketball, and other youth activities. In addition to his love for Karen, Bob's second great passion was baseball. He was a volunteer coach and umpire, and served as league president, district-, state-, and regional commissioner for Babe Ruth Baseball for over 30 years. In later years Bob was a long-suffering Mariners fan, he loved camping and fishing with his family, travelling with Karen, playing craps and blackjack, following Gonzaga basketball, and reading John Grisham novels.

Bob is survived by his brother Richard (Candace) Kuhta of Toano, VA and his sons Brian (Patty) Kuhta of Camas, WA, Scott (Kjersten) Kuhta of Spokane, WA, and Rob (Laura) Kuhta of Denver, CO. He is also survived by eight beloved grandchildren: Sonja, Eric, Kelsey, Daniel, Colin, Noah, Nathan, and Connor. He was preceded in death by his wife Karen Jo Kuhta (Miller), father John C. Kuhta, mother Dorothy Kuhta (Madjeski), and brother Ken (Denise) Kuhta.

A Celebration of Life will occur later this year. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society or Chaplaincy Tri Cities Hospice House. The family invites you to share condolences at www.Hillcrestfunerals.com.