Walter E. Kuhlman

Walter E. Kuhlman, 93, a longtime rural Racine, Minn., area farmer, died peacefully on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at Olmsted Community Hospital in Rochester, Minn.  

Walter Ernest Kuhlman was born October 3, 1931, in Watertown, S. Dak., to Ernest and Leona (Mischke) Kuhlman. At about the age of 10, he moved with his family to Pleasant Valley Township in rural Minnesota, where he attended country school and then worked on the family farm. He later earned his GED attending night school while farming and working full time at Libby’s. From 1952 to 1956 Walter served in the U.S. Army in Korea. Following his discharge, he returned to farming with his family. Walter was married on September 23, 1956, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Pleasant Valley Township to Joan B. Everts. The couple moved to the current Kuhlman family farmstead where they raised their children and farmed for over 60 years. Walter was a lifelong farmer and was also employed at Libby’s (later Senecca Foods) as a mechanic for over 30 years until his retirement. Walter was a longtime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, a member of the Grand Meadow American Legion Post 140 for 48 years and a past member of the Stewartville Sportsman’s Club.  He enjoyed hunting, welding, going to auctions, reading westerns and mysteries, mowing and summer bonfires. Walter lived out Jesus’ command to serve one’s neighbors; using his various God given gifts, for the benefit of friends, neighbors and strangers locally and internationally. He loved the time he spent with his family especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Walter is survived by four children: Marie (Mark) Anderson, Darwin (Margaret) Kuhlman, Elaine (Gregory) Keyes and Roger (Terri) Kuhlman; seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, as well as one sister and one brother. 

He was preceded in death by his wife Joan, his parents and a brother.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Pleasant Valley Township with Rev. Marc Freiberg Sr. officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. A time of visitation for family and friends will take place from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, November 22, 2024, at Griffin-Gray FH in Stewartville and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday morning. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray FH in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Walter are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com.