Cover photo for Colonel Duane Kuhlmann's Obituary
Colonel Duane Kuhlmann Profile Photo
Colonel

Colonel Duane Kuhlmann

d. September 23, 2020

KULMANN SPANISH FORT, AL Colonel Duane Arthur Kuhlmann The “Colonel” joined his beloved bride Dorothy in heaven September 23. He was surrounded by his family when he died peacefully at home. Duane was born December 15, 1923 in Northwood, Iowa to Jenny Messenger Kuhlmann and Sophus Kuhlmann. Duane and his three younger brothers Hugh, Kenneth and Lyle were raised in Byron, Minnesota where Sophus and Jenny owned and operated the local grain elevator business. Duane joined the Army Air Corps in 1942 after Pearl Harbor. During 32 years of service to his country, Duane flew the P40, P51, F84, B66, and F4 and did combat tours in WWII, and Vietnam. Colonel Kuhlmann retired from the Air Force in 1974 in Dayton, Ohio as vice commander of Defense Electronics Systems Command. He was awarded the Legion of Merit in 1974 and accumulated numerous air medals throughout his distinguished career. Dad met Dorothy on a blind date in 1947. For dad it was “love at first sight.” They married 4 months later in Rollingstone, Minnesota. Dad’s Air Force career took Dorothy and the growing family to eight different Air Force bases in the U.S. and Germany. They moved to The Landings in Savannah, Georgia in 1982 where they enjoyed golfing, tennis and fishing and a great community of friends. In 2003 they moved to Spanish Fort, Alabama. Duane and Dorothy are survived by their 7 children, John Kuhlmann (Rosie), Jenny Kuhlmann Zinn (Bob), Tom Kuhlmann, Karen Kuhlmann (Andy Sher), Fritzie Kuhlmann Bassel (Steve), Greg Kuhlmann (Stephanie), Chris Kuhlmann (Dani), 19 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and Josie their beloved dog. The family would like to thank dad’s caregivers. We were blessed that Ursula Crawford cared for both Dorothy and Duane for 6 years. Thank you also to Jackie White, Linda, Debbie and Juwanna who all cared for Duane in his final years. Memorial services pending. Burial will be in Byron, Minnesota next Spring. ARRANGEMENTS BY WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC. 27409 US HWY 98 DAPHNE, AL (251)625-2900
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