Willard Kuhlman

Willard Kuhlman, 96, of Gothenburg, Nebraska passed away at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg on September 5, 2024.

Willard was born to Henry and Bessie (Shostrom) Kuhlman on a farm northeast of Gothenburg on January 16, 1928. He attended country school, and then went on to Gothenburg High School where he graduated in 1945. He served honorably in the Korean War from 1951 through 1952.

Willard married Della (Franzen) in 1954. Willard had began farming with his father, and he continued farming the Friesenborg place one mile east of Gothenburg after Della’s father passed away, and he and Della located there after their marriage. He continued to farm after Della’s passing in 1995. He married Marjorie (Malm) in 1999, and continued to farm until he decided it was no longer fun, and he retired in 2001.

Willard served on the School Board of Valley School for many years. He was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church where he often sang, taught Sunday School, and served on various committees. He was also a faithful member of The Gideons International where he held various officer positions. Willard had a beautiful voice, and sang at many events and weddings throughout his lifetime. In his younger years he enjoyed pitching horseshoes, and won a Championship in Cozad. He enjoyed playing cards and board games with his children and grandchildren, and looked forward to working the daily newspaper puzzles. He enjoyed following sports throughout his life, especially Husker sports, and baseball.

Willard loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The time spent with his family was very precious to him. He especially looked forward to the times when the whole family gathered every year for Fourth of July and Christmas celebrations. Willard’s love for his family is surpassed only by his love of The Lord. He loved reading and studying the Bible, and teaching others about the scriptures.

Survivors include his wife Marjorie, son Kirk (Loretta), Andover, KS, daughter Marsha Herlevi, Sterling Heights, MI, and son Phil (Bertha) Kuhlman, Gothenburg. Five Grandchildren: Andrew (fiance Olivia) Kuhlman, Boston, MA, Anna (Josiah) Erdmann, Grand Island, Morgan Herlevi, Lansing, MI, Victoria (Jeremy) Kilway, Westminster, CO, Charlie and AJ GrabbingBear, Lincoln, and two (soon to be three) great-grandchildren Aspen and Ava Kilway, and his sister, Joan (Kuhlman) Johnson, Aurora, CO. Willard was also a grandpa to Samantha Stevens, Christopher and Jacob Shaffner, Jasmine Vargas and Aiden Moncivais.

Willard was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Della, brother Brian, and son-in-law Michael Herlevi.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 13, 2024 1:00-7:00 pm, Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, NE with the family present from 4:00-6:00 pm.

Funeral Services will be held at the First Baptist Church on Saturday, September 14 at 2:30. 

Burial will follow at the Gothenburg Cemetery. 

Memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church, Gothenburg, or The Gideon’s International.