Columbus
Horst Karl Kuehner, 79, of Columbus, joined his Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 15, 2017, after a long, strong and courageous battle with cancer.
Karl lived to work hard, play hard and serve his community.
Karl was born in 1937 in Stuttgart Hedelfingen, Germany, to Karl Hermann Kuehner and Frieda Wilhelmine Kienzle Kuehner. Karl is survived by three siblings, Heinz, Herbert and Heidrun. His wonderful sister, Hannelore, preceded him in death. In 2003, Karl lost his first wife, Mary, to cancer. Late in 2004, Karl married Susan Thom and she survives. Karl is also survived by his two sons, Noel (Jessica) Kuehner and Brian (Elizabeth) Kuehner, and step-daughter, Abby (Eric) Howe. Karl deeply loved his grandchildren, Wyatt, Erin, William, Gabriel and Sarah.
As a young man, Karl worked in Stuttgart at Daimler-Benz for many years, including working on the engine of the Mercedes 300SL Gull Wing Roadster. He traveled extensively during his time with Daimler and played semi-professional handball and soccer. In 1961, in Indonesia, Karl met and married his future wife, Mary Marjorie Jansen. Early in his career, Karl was determined to become an engineer. Karl and Mary moved back to Mary’s home of Kentucky and both enrolled at the University of Kentucky. Karl became a United States citizen in 1965 and, in 1966, graduated with distinction from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering. In 1966, Karl was hired by Cummins Engine Company as a development engineer. With stints in applied mechanics and service, Karl became Vice President of Technology in 1979. He led Cummins Corporate Quality and Service, and the introduction of the next-generation on-highway engine for 1991. For the final assignment of Karl’s career at Cummins, he was asked to lead the integration of all Cummins Fuel System activities into one entity. Karl was honored in 1995 by the Society of Automotive Engineers with the first Sid Olsen Award as Engineering Manager of the Year.
Karl retired from Cummins in 1998. Shortly after his retirement, Purdue University bestowed Karl with an honorary degree of doctor of technology. Karl will be remembered as a gentleman and for his strong sense of humor, friendly personality, practicality and humble nature. Karl loved to entertain. He was a passionate golfer and a fan of Cincinnati Reds baseball and University of Kentucky basketball. Karl loved to travel and take photographs. Some of his favorite destinations were Sanibel Island in Florida, the Big Island of Hawaii and Little Dix Bay in the British Virgin Islands.
Karl was of great service to his community. Karl was a faithful and active supporter of the Harrison Township Volunteer Fire Company, Rotary International, SCORE and Love Chapel, and was a member at Westside Community Church. The experiences we shared with him are our treasures. Karl will be deeply missed. A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday at Westside Community Church with Dennis W. Aud officiating. Family and friends may call from 11:30 a.m. to time of service Thursday at the church. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or Westside Community Church.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the Kuehner family at barkesweaverglick.com
Arrangements were made by Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home.
barkesweaverglick.com
