Lawrence Kuehn Sr.

Larry was born on February 20, 1939, to Anna Braun of Gem Lake, Minnesota.  Larry grew up and worked on the family farm with his grandfather and grandmother Adam and Lucy Braun, along with his aunts Lucy and Betty Braun.  After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and married Viola Olheiser. Over the years, they raised six children, Pam, Julie, Larry, Scott (deceased), Cheryl and Mary.  It was in the Navy where his love of travel was ignited.  He was stationed in Hawaii and his ship, the USS Helena, traveled the oceans and seas. He always shared many stories of his tour on the Helena and the “Brass” that traveled with them.  After returning from the Navy, Larry tried his hand at starting his own business. His first attempt at business ownership had little success and with a growing family, he needed something more.  He decided to drive over-the-road for Allied Van Lines.  Realizing after a year or two that over-the-road driving was not for him, he started another company, which grew into a successful business.  He owned and operated Kuehn Excavating from his Gem Lake property until he retired in 2004.

Larry’s love of travel inspired his passion for flying.  He was a proud bush pilot for most of his life, flying all over the U.S. and Canada.   Larry loved flying and in the skies is where he was at peace.  Larry would attend the Reno air races annually and enjoyed flying into the bush to fish Canada.  Many trips were made with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to his favorite destination, Custer State Park.  Larry’s love of a challenging, albeit short, runway was ever present.   Airports were optional.

Larry was a magic enthusiast who brought his playing cards to every family get-together where he would entertain his grandchildren (and his adult children) with his “Kuehn” humor and card tricks.

Larry lived a full and adventurous life. He continued to live in Gem Lake until he was called home on March 21, 2024. Larry gifted his love of travel and adventure to his children who will miss him immensely.  

Obituary as published in White Bear Press- March 27, 2024

Lawrence J. Kuehn Sr. was born on February 20, 1939 and passed away on March 21, 2024 at the age of 85 years. He was born, raised, lived and died in Gem Lake, MN. He is preceded in death by his special aunts Elizabeth & Lucille Braun; mother Anna Swanson; son Scott and grandson Brian. He is preceded in death by his great grandson, Owen. He is survived by his children Pam Frisk (Tom), Julie Wrich (Jim), Larry Jr., Cheryl Hagen (Zach Zacho) and Mary Carroll (Mark); numerous grandchildren & great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Lawrence was the owner of Kuehn Excavating and an aviation enthusiast. Visitation is Wednesday, March 27 2024 from 3:00-7:00pm with a service at 6:00 pm at MUELLER MEMORIAL, 4738 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.