Ulrich Kuehn

Ulrich "Rick" Kuehn, 82, died unexpectedly on February 15 in Libertyville, IL with family by his side. Ulrich was born in Germany, grew up in Bavaria and served in the German Army from 1958 to 1959. After receiving a Green Card in 1960, Ulrich immigrated to the USA. In 1961, he was drafted into the US Army and served overseas until 1965. Stationed in Munich, Germany, he was granted permission to live with his parents. Rick reconnected with his best friend Hans, whose sister Friedel he married in 1962. The births of two sons followed. Before receiving his discharge, Rick organized his move back to the US. His family followed him to Milwaukee, WI to live the American Dream. Over the next five years, a third son and two daughters were born. Rick became a US Citizen in 1972. He and his family moved to Lake Villa, IL in 1973 and joined St. Stephens Lutheran Church in Antioch, IL. In 1976, he established Rick Kuehn Heating & Cooling, faithfully serving his customers at all hours for 39 years. He will be remembered for his dedication and leadership in the church and community. For the past 36 years Rick was a committed Rotarian, not only throughout the US, but also internationally. His passion was for the Rotary International Youth Exchange Program, organizing long and short-term exchanges. He and Friedel hosted 17 exchange students over the years, extending the family circle. Through Rotary International, he also traveled the world. Through his international ties with Rotarians, some as far away as New Zealand, Rick was able to help organize and participate in development projects to improve others' lives. It brought Rick great joy to tour the US with guests in his RV, sharing his love for the National Parks and visiting cultural and historical landmarks along the way. Since his best friend moved to Hawaii it became one of his favorite destinations. Rick loved cooking – barbeque, salads, French cheese, good wines, game he had hunted, and German beer. He loved the outdoors and spent a lot of time gardening, grooming the flowerbeds, and enjoying his new riding mower. Highlights were trips out west in fall to enjoy the wilderness and hunt deer or elk when he was awarded a license, and fishing for coho salmon on Lake Michigan during the summer. Rick was a jack of almost all trades. Nothing was too difficult, and he often encouraged others with the words: “There are no problems, only solutions!” He loved all people and was passionate about meeting new friends and instantly embracing them as family with his whole heart. He kept these connections active for many years even over great distances. Ulrich was preceded in death by his loving parents; his brothers, Ludwin, Ruediger, Friedrich; and his beloved wife, Friedel. He is survived by his siblings, Kunigunde, Hans Eberhard (Gesa), Trudgard; his children, Michael (Patrica), Hans (Heidi), Richard (Susanne), Christine, Stefanie; his grandchildren, Antonio, Michelle (Tom), Lukas, Leo, Ella, Jennifer, Amelia, Gino; his great-grandchildren, Jason, Hunter, Phoenix, Gryphon. Rick left us much too early ... he will live on through us and in our memories. The Antioch Rotary Club has created a memorial scholarship fund (501c3 tax-deductible) to honor Rick and his wife Friedel's passion for the Rotary International Youth Exchange Program. This fund will benefit future students wishing to participate in long-term and short-term exchanges. In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations in any amount to this fund. Make checks payable and send to: Antioch Rotary Scholarship Inc. P.O. Box 35 Antioch, IL 60002 Please note "Ulrich and Friedel Kuehn Memorial Scholarship" in the check memo. A memorial visitation will take place on May 8th from 10am – Noon at The Chapel Libertyville 1200 American Way, Libertyville IL 60048 with service starting at noon. Service will be livestreamed at https://rock.chapel.org/page/786 If you have any questions please contact Heidi Kuehn cell: 847-219-0188

Ulrich Kuehn

May 5, 1938 - February 15, 2021

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