LINUS KUENNEN

Monday, August 20, 2018 2:29 pm

Linus Kuennen, 68, of St. Lucas, passed away on the family farm Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018. Mass of Christian Burial is at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas, with Rev. Aaron Junge officiating. Organist is Kathy Meyer. Cantor is Lynette Wheeler. St. Luke’s Choir will sing “Sing with all the Saints in Glory,” “We Remember,” “How Great Thou Art” and “Though the Mountains May Fall.” Lector is Nancy Moritz. Eucharistic ministers are Barb Reicks, Becky Smith, Sheila Reicks and John Kuennen. Offertory gift bearers are his grandchildren. Arrangements are being handled by Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, Decorah.

Linus Joseph Kuennen was born June 9, 1950, the son of Roman and Anna (Wurzer) Kuennen, in Decorah. He attended St. Luke’s Catholic School through his junior year, and then graduated from Turkey Valley in 1968. After high school, Linus attended Iowa State University, where he was a proud member of the ISU wrestling team. Linus graduated from ISU in 1972, with a Bachelor of Science degree in dairy science. After college, Linus moved to Chicago, where he worked at O’Hare International Airport, (mis)-handling baggage. While in Chicago, Linus met Norma Murphy, and they were married in Elk Grove Village, Ill., Aug. 16, 1975. The newlyweds moved to Des Moines in 1976, before moving back home to purchase the family farm in 1977. Together, they had three children: Kelly, Matthew and Justin. When not driving a myriad of cattle at top speed through the roads of Iowa, Linus enjoyed slowing down to play golf, and was also a member of a competitive pool league. His favorite pastime was engagement in “non-competitive” wrestling, swimming and all other things involving his grandchildren. Linus was a member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church. He also was a chapter leader of Alcoholics Anonymous, where he recently received his 15-year sobriety chip.

Linus is survived by his wife, Norma; children: Kelly (Levi) Gingerich, St. Louis, Mo.; Matthew (Heather) Kuennen, Jamestown, N.C., and Justin Kuennen, St. Lucas; grandchildren: Anica, Aila, Aralise and Adalea Gingerich; Madeline, Brielle and Hudson Kuennen; Kale Kuennen; sisters, Mary Jane (Tom) Schweitzer, Rockford, Minn. and Marge (Jim) Clark, Des Moines; brothers, Eugene Kuennen, Bailey, Colo. and Merle (Jane) Kuennen, Elkader; mother-in-law, Norma Murphy, Elk Grove, Ill.; sisters-in-law: Diane (Gary) Fernandez, Warrenville, Ill.; Kathy (Bill) Seiwert, Rolling Meadows, Ill.; Mary Ann (David) Bruns, Roselle, Ill. and Nancy (Brian) Moritz, Yorkville, Ill.; brother-in-law, Jim (Chris) Murphy, Palatine, Ill.; along with many nieces and nephews.

Linus was preceded in death by his parents, Roman and Anna (Wurzer) Kuennen; brother, Gerard, at age four; father-in-law, Gene Murphy; brother-in-law, Bob Boeche.