James ‘Jim’ Kuennen, 89

June 4, 1932 —
Dec. 5, 2021
 
CRESCO - James “Jim” Kuennen, age 89, of Cresco, Iowa, died on Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021 at his home.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021, at Notre Dame Parish in Cresco. Visitation was held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 10 at the church and continued from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday. Burial took place in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco.
James John Kuennen was born on June 4, 1932, to Clem and Matilda Kuennen in St. Lucas, Iowa. He married Madonna Hemesath on Sept. 3, 1952, and to this union nine children were born. 
He served in the Army during the Korean War from 1953-1955, where he was a member of the 101st Airborne Division “Screaming Eagles.” He trucked ammunition to the front line and transported prisoners back. 
Jim and Donna moved to Cresco in 1960 and had been farming the same land ever since. He was very proud of his tractors and was an Oliver lover. Jim liked to tinker and was an engineer of many things. He made his own lawn mower and even made a weed eater before its time. He loved relaxation, gardening and sharing his produce with everyone. 
As a man of great faith, Jim was very active in the church at Notre Dame Parish. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus to the 4th Degree, president of the school board, served on the parish council, and was responsible for refurbishing the church bells. He was also a member of Cresco VFW and American Legion Post 135. 
Jim is survived by his wife of 69 years, Donna Kuennen; children Clyde (Jane), Denise (Gary) Murphy, Sheila (Jim) Murphy, Joan (Richard) Hovey, Linda (Paul) Ferrie, Pamela (Jim Moen), John (Lynetta) and Allyn (Deanna); grandchildren, Brandon Kuennen, Miranda Kuennen, Justin Murphy, Kuennen Murphy, Paul (Danea) Murphy, Sarah Murphy, Stephen Murphy, Jay (Susan) Schryver, Ashlyn (Jon) Elsner, Kayla (Eric) Pride, Heather (Adam) Barness, Amber Kuennen, Caleb Kuennen, Josie Kuennen and Rowan Kuennen; great-grandchildren, Benelli Murphy, Jaxon Murphy, Cate Murphy, Macie Murphy, Jude Schryver, Isabelle Schryver, Adelaide Elsner, Theodore Pride, Hudson Barness and Benjamin Barness; sisters, Della and Arlene; and brother, Gerald.
He was preceded in death by his son, Ronald Kuennen (deceased Dec. 5, 1985); brothers, Leon and Clarence; sisters, Ruth, Lori and Edna; and grandchildren, Hope Kuennen and Augustus Kuennen.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Notre Dame Catholic School or Notre Dame Parish in memory of Jim.
Online condolences may be left at Hindtfuneralhomes.com

Cresco Times

Phone: 563-547-3601
Fax: 563-547-4602

Address:
Cresco TPD
214 N. Elm Street
Cresco, IA 52136

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