Galen E. Kuhens

galen kuhens

Galen’s service will be livestreamed below starting at 1:30 PM Saturday, February 8, 2025.

Galen E. Kuhens, 89, of Moorhead, MN died Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at St. Catherine South in Fargo, ND, surrounded by his family.

On February 11, 1935, Galen was born to Carl and Dorothy Kuhens in Cedar Rapids, IA. He grew up in Northeast Iowa graduating Valedictorian at Waterville High School in 1952. He went on to get his teaching degree at Iowa State Teachers College, and later a master’s degree from State College of Iowa. During his first of many teaching positions, he met Mary Torkelson and they married on June 2, 1957. Shortly thereafter, Galen was stationed in Germany with the United States Army. To this union was born Melvin, Kayleen, Katherine and Teresa.

In 1962 Galen and Mary accepted a call to serve as missionary teachers in New Guinea. They spent most of 6 years at Baitabag Lutheran High School near Madang, where Galen served as teacher and headmaster. After returning to the States the family resided in Iowa where he continued teaching for a few years before he became manager at EWALU Bible Camp of Strawberry Point, IA. From there Galen and Mary began dairy farming outside Clermont, IA where they farmed until Mary’s death in 1975.

On November 28, 1975 Galen married Helen Beth Johnson, a friend of the family from New Guinea days. In 1980, Galen and Helen Beth began studies at Luther Northwestern Seminary in St. Paul, MN where they both earned their Master of Divinity. They then served multiple parishes in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa before retiring to Galen’s childhood farm outside Harpers Ferry, IA

Wanting to be closer to their children and grandchildren, they moved to Moorhead, MN in 2009 where they resided until his death.

Galen was known for his puns, love of gardening, working on jigsaw puzzles with his grandson, Jacob, and up to the last winning at Quiddler. Galen had an adventurous soul and will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Dorothy Kuhens; first wife, Mary; grandson, John Carl Altendorf; and brother, Culver Kuhens.

He is survived by his wife, Helen Beth; children, Mel (Laura Kracht) Kuhens, Kay (Dan) Persons, Katherine (John) Altendorf, Teresa Kuhens; brother, Denis (Cindy) Kuhens; 8 grandchildren, Katie Jo (Darin) Svenson, Kimberly (Bobbie) Riley, Kristin (Courtney) Brommer, Laura (Travis) Sprouls, Rachel Persons, Jacob Altendorf, Adam Altendorf and Cory (Jessa) Washington; and 8 great-grandchildren, Tula and Reggie Riley, Isabelle Sprouls, Zephryn, Zaeyla, Zeena Volker (Persons), and Alden and Hollis Washington.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to ELCA World Hunger or Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Services

Visitation - Saturday: February 8, 2025 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103

701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com

Memorial Service - Saturday: February 8, 2025 2:00 pm

Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103

701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Holding you in our hearts and our thoughts, all the way from NE Iowa.

    Otter, Bill, Cleo, Paige & Aurora.

    • Dear Helen Beth & family,
      Our lives have been greatly enriched having known you and Galen over these last 8 or 9 years. We have so enjoyed you in our small community of St. Mark’s in Fargo, as well as our numerous visits and meals together, primarily at your house(s)! Galen’s stories of NE Iowa, his first marriage and family stories.. combined with all of your adventures since 1975 certainly weave a tapestry of a well-lived life. Even our tour of Maplewood State Park and Lakes Country was immensely entertaining. Overall, I think our times playing Quiddler certainly stand out. Galen is a master, and as coined by Jacqueline, playing with him gave us a sense of doom or imminent defeat.
      What a blessing his life has been, for him and for all of us that were fortunate to know and interact with him. Blessed be his memory. We are so very sorry for your loss
      Pr. Joe Larson & Charlie Jordan

  2. Galen and Helen Beth will always be considered more than just good friends to Margo and me. They are like family! Galen will be missed!

  3. Dear Helen beth; I hold you in my heart as you morn the death of Galen. May you be upheld in the days ahead. May our Lord hold you securely in Christ’s arms. Blessings my friend. Brenda Bauer

    • What fond memories I have of Galen’s kind, gentle wit and when a colleague in NWENDS (Rolla/Bisbee). The peace of the Lord be with you, Helen.

  4. Thinking of you Helen Beth and your entire Family during this time of loss. Galen was a wonderful, beautiful man. I always enjoyed his smile and positive attitude; he lived such an amazing and interesting life. Thank you,Helen Beth, for your ever loving care over the years. You were a lovely couple and were fortunate to become partners on this earthly journey. In celebration of a life well lived! What a Blessing to have a strong faith in the Promises we are given of Life Everlasting! In Christ’s Light and Love …

  5. Dear Helen Beth, I am holding you in love and light as you live out this season of life. As you grieve may it take you deeper into the center of all life where we are held in infinite Love.Blessings my friend.

  6. Helen Beth and Family,
    Extending my sympathy to you all. I have many fond memories of the Kuhens family from years ago. May you find comfort and peace, knowing Galen was a faithful Servant to our Lord.
    Gwen Kleppe Van Dee

  7. Thank you for hospitality every time we got to see each other! It was nice getting to know you and Helen. I’m thinking of you and sending over lots of love from Germany.

  8. What a beautiful service. You always have a special place in my heart and today I celebrate your life and that of Galen and all of your family. Peace and love to all.
    Debra Wood

  9. My sympathies go out to you, Helen Beth, and your family. Just as you held me in prayer last year, I will be doing the same for you now. Galen had a life well lived and now it is to be celebrated! God’s blessings to you, Helen Beth.

  10. Galen had a gentle smile and a strong presence. I enjoyed every chance I had to speak with him, and to see the ways in which he interacted with all around him. He’ll be fondly remembered.

  11. Dear Helen and Family
    Deeply saddened on the loss of your husband. Condolences. May his soul rest in peace.

  12. He’s been a great amazing foster dad to me while I was an exchange student from Indonesia years back in ND. I will always remember those precious memories about Him, Helen and the family. Thank you Dad, Galen. I love you. You’ll be missed so much. Rest in Love, dad


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