Joseph Kuhn

joseph kuhn

Joseph I. Kuhn, 96, Fargo, ND, formerly of Napoleon, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 10, 2014 at Elim Care Center, surrounded by his family.  He was born October 4, 1917 in Shell Butte Township, ND to Ignatz and Kathrine (Horner) Kuhn.  He grew up on a farm near Linton where he attended school.

Joe enlisted in the Army on November 5, 1941 at Ft. Snelling where he served as a Corporal in WWII and fought in five major battles—Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe. He was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Medal for his service. He was honorably discharged in 1945 at Camp McCoy, WI.

On June 1, 1948 he was united in marriage to Joan Dallman at St. Mary’s Church in Braddock, ND.  Joan was the love of his life and he greatly honored his vow to care for her in sickness and in health.  Following her stroke, he was her sole caregiver until her passing.

The couple made their home in Braddock where they owned and operated the local grocery store and meat market.  In 1960 they moved to Napoleon where they opened Fairway Foods.  He then worked as a rancher until his “retirement.”  Joe continued to work, tinkering around fixing anything he could get his hands on.  There was never a shortage of neighborhood kids in his yard with their broken toys.

In his early years, Joe played the clarinet in the family band.  He had a lifetime membership to the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus.  He was an avid bowler, and loved spending time outdoors, hunting, fishing and trapping.  Playing the slots at the occasional visit to the casino was another one of the things enjoyed.

Joe’s grandchildren were the light of his life.  Nothing made him happier than the time spent with them, especially making and flying paper airplanes.  Joe was an all-around likeable guy and loved by everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his children, Nancy (Richard) Berg, and Tom (Kathy) Kuhn; sister, Lillian (Bill) McCann; brother, Frank (Maggie) Kuhn; brother-in-law, Albert (Phyllis) Dallman; grandchildren, Sarah (Josh) Deutsch, Emily (Shane) Ravling, Adam (Leah) Berg, Amie Kuhn, Lisa (Ryan) Thompson, Lindsay (Micah) Mauney, Melissa (Matt) Hanson, Rachel (Cody) Haiar; great-grandchildren, Holden, Bergin, and Georgia Deutsch; Mason, Dylan, Hayden, and Rowyn Ravling; Camden Berg; Avery and Aden Mangan; Rylee, Beau, and Eva Thompson; Radley, Tyla, Taten, Jada Mauney; Madala, Trimmier, Layla Jo Hanson; and Raina and Trigg Haiar.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joan; brothers, John and Valentine; sisters, Eva, Elizabeth, and Helen.

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  1. Wichita KansasOur deepest Sympathy to all of you. I Have very fond memories of your Dad while growing up in Braddock.

  2. Napoleon ND
    Our sympathy to you and your family, Joe was our neighbor for many years, a very nice man. John and Sally Johs

  3. Jamestown Nancy, we were sorry to hear about your dad. Tom & I have fond memories of him welcoming your high school friends to his home. I’ll bet he was a wonderful grandfather. Take care,

    Joyce & Tom

  4. Fargo What an extraordinary life filled with duty for county during a war that changed the outcome of humanity to his commitment for family, friends, and community. Thank you for sharing these wonderful details regarding such a beautiful man. My prayers are with the family, that you may reflect on the strength, wisdom, and love he shared with each of you.
    God Bless,
    Sharon


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