Wayne C. Kuhlmann

Wayne Charles Kuhlmann was born on February 12, 1933, in Soldier Township, Iowa, the son of William Johannes and Marie (Hagemann) Kuhlmann. He was baptized on March 26, 1933, and later confirmed on April 14, 1946, both at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Soldier Township. Wayne graduated with the Class of 1951 from Charter Oak High School.

Following graduation, Wayne enlisted in the United States Navy on September 27, 1951. He served in the Korean War on a submarine and often shared stories of his travels before receiving his honorable discharge on September 26, 1955.

On June 8, 1958, Wayne was united in marriage to Lou Wonne Ione Wulf at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Schleswig. They made their home in Ricketts, Iowa, and were blessed with two children, Tracy and Brian. Wayne built a lifelong career with Farmers Savings Bank in Ricketts, beginning as a teller and working his way up to President before his retirement.

Throughout his adult life, Wayne was a devoted member of both St. Luke Lutheran Church in Ricketts and St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak, where he held various positions within the churches and community. He was also active in the Charter Oak American Legion Post 0066 and the Ricketts Fire Department. Wayne enjoyed playing fastpitch softball in the Ricketts and Charter Oak leagues and always had a love for baseball. He was a proud fan of the New York Yankees and the Iowa Hawkeyes. His hobbies included gardening, bowling, and Friday night dinner clubs with friends. Above all, he cherished the time spent with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Wayne passed away on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the age of 92 years, nine months and nine days. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Wonne Kuhlmann in 2020; siblings: Norman Kuhlmann, Donna Berka, Lois Clausen and Darrell Kuhlmann.

He is survived by his daughter, Tracy (Kurt) Petersen; son, Brian (Christy) Kuhlmann; four grandchildren: Taylor (Breck), Alexa (Danny), Jaxson and Emma; three great-grandchildren: Bennett, Miley and Dillon; siblings: Betty Mefford, Carol Schiltz, Denny Kuhlmann, Tom Kuhlmann and Lynn Holcomb; many nieces and nephews; and other family and friends.

His funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m., with visitation from noon to 1:00 p.m., on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. Interment with military honors will be held in the Morgan Cemetery near Schleswig. The family will direct memorials.