William "Bill" Kuehner

William “Bill” V. Kuehner, 88, of Doniphan, NE died April 6, 2019. With undeterred spirit, he met the challenges presented by pulmonary fibrosis. Funeral service will be 10:30 am Wednesday, April 10, 2019 Visitation with family present will be from 3-7 pm Tuesday at Apfel Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Doniphan Senior Center, Giltner Community Center, Aurora Memorial Hospital, and the Phillip’s Cemetery. Online condolences may be directed to www.apfelfuneralhome.com.

Bill was born February 20, 1931 in rural Phillips to William E. and Frieda (Stoppkotte) Kuehner. He grew up in rural Phillips and attended Dearing School District 32 through 8th grade. Bill then attended Phillips High School where he played baseball and basketball, graduating in 1948. He was drafted into the United States Army on April 4, 1952 and served in the 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles Division during the Korean War. He was stationed at Fort Knox and Camp Breckinridge, KY, until he was honorably discharged on April 3, 1954.

On August 31, 1963, Bill was united in marriage to Carolyn E. Guenther in Grand Island. The couple lived in rural Hamilton County where he farmed and raised cattle his entire life. They were married for 55 years.

Bill served on many boards throughout his life including: Five Points Bank Board of Directors, Giltner School Board, Upper Big Blue NRD, Farmers Union Cooperative Association, Central Co-op Non-Stock Transport, and the Warm Slough. He enjoyed hunting, piloting small aircraft and traveling-especially to Germany and Montana. Bill enjoyed the 3 o’clock coffee group and was honored to be able to have gone on a Korean War Hero Flight. He thoroughly enjoyed fireworks and the freedoms they represent. He was an eternal optimist.

Survivors include: wife: Carolyn Kuehner of Doniphan; children: Karla (Jack) Obermeier of Grand Island, NE, Kenda Kuehner of Kearney, NE, Kaila (Clint) Mailahn of Denton, NE, William (Jennie) Kuehner of Hamilton County, NE; grandchildren: Tanner Obermeier, Elena Kuehner, Garrett Kuehner; brother: Richard (Nancy) Kuehner of Phillips, NE; sister-in-law: Dorothy (Lorin) Bremer of Lexington, NE; special cousin Gabi Kühner and Gerd Lorch of Heilbronn, Germany; nieces: Lori Bremer, Brenda Valasek, Julie Kennedy; and great nieces: Tecla, Elly, and Lily.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.