Obituary for Gunther Richard Kuhl
KUHL, Gunther Richard Johannes
May 17, 1927 – January 10, 2021
Jesus declares a comforting reality with us: “I am the Resurrection and the Life, the one who believes in Me will live, even though they die.” (John 11:25).
Gunther Kuhl died peacefully in the early morning hours of Sunday, January 10, 2021 – he was 93 years old. His family grieved his passing by spending the day remembering his life and giving praise to Jesus for welcoming him home with open arms.
Gunther was born on Tuesday, May 17, 1927, the eldest child of Richard and Lilli Kuhl, who with his brothers Arno and Dieter, and sister Astrid (Gutthardt), all preceded him in death. He leaves behind his wife Erna (nee Pyde) of over 68 years, 3 children, Roland, Dagmar (Hoffmann) and Cornelia (Gray), who along with their spouses (Lynne, Reinhard and Kelly) blessed him with 6 grandchildren – Aaron (Dayna), Nathan (Alicia), Eli (Tawny) Hoffmann, Heather and Hilary Kuhl and Nigel Gray. Also 11 great-grandchildren with another on the way.
Gunther was raised in the farming village of Hohenkarzig, about 100 km northeast of Berlin – which was in Germany at the time, but now is in Poland. He was no stranger to conflict, having encountered war at a young age, experiencing turmoil and displacement.
The unsettled nature of his early years led him to be adventurous, as he, his brother Arno, and future brother-in-law Eduard, headed across the Atlantic in 1951 to begin a new life in Canada. They first settled north of Winnipeg and worked in the isolated forests in conditions that few might have survived. Erna emigrated a year later and they married in Whitemouth, MB in November of 1952. The newlyweds moved to Prince Rupert, B.C. where their 3 children were born. Then across the country to St. Catharines, Ontario a few years later, where they made their home and raised their children.
Surviving WW2 and the severe conditions of a POW camp shaped Gunther's desire to make peace and seek peace in relationships. If he wronged someone, he would seek forgiveness and reconciliation. Being a Tuesday child (full of grace) made grace a deep part of his character. This was revealed in the love and deep devotion he gave to his wife Erna. In 2006 Erna suffered a debilitating stroke which completely changed their lives. Gunther became Erna's primary caregiver and his wife's voice as she could no longer communicate. They moved into Heidehof in 2008 and then in 2011 went into long term care sharing a room. Together they were true to the adage "the longer we love, the stronger we love”. Gunther cared for his wife as best he could right up to his final days.
Gunther had numerous jobs throughout his life – bricklayer, working in the bush for CP Rail, delivering fuel oil, operating a number of gas stations, as well as being a construction contractor for DuoTemp and Sears as G. Kuhl Construction. His work was not his legacy, but rather his legacy was his family and his faith. He loved meeting new people and hearing their life stories. After retiring, he volunteered at City Mission, a faith based soup kitchen in downtown St. Catharines. He volunteered on many Habitat for Humanity builds both before and after retiring and worked in their ReStore warehouse on Cushman Road. Many enjoyable hours were spent playing cribbage, cards and dominoes with family and friends.
Gunther and his family worshipped at Immanuel Baptist Church, where he and Erna were members since 1960. Besides serving in numerous roles over the years from Sunday School teacher to church moderator, he was also pivotal in overseeing the construction of the church building on the corner of Vine and Parnell.
Gunther was a family man who loved his children, doted on his grandchildren and adored his great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Charlotte, Corban, Selah, Isaiah, Deacon, Matthias, Caleb, Reed, Phinehas and Bennett.
Gunther's life was shaped by his love for Jesus Christ and to share God's amazing love with others – which he continued to do, even in his last years. Throughout his life, he lived simply, gave generously and loved powerfully. His family rejoices with Gunther that he is home with his Lord and Saviour, reunited with his parents, brothers and sister. He will be missed every single day. He was so loved.
A private family service was held at the gravesite at Victoria Lawn Cemetery on January 12, 2021. A memorial service is planned to celebrate the life of Gunther.
For those desiring to make a donation in remembrance of Gunther Kuhl, you are invited to give support to In Touch Ministries (whose ministry brought comfort and strength to Gunther).
Box 4900, Markham, Ontario L3R 6G9; 1-800-323-3747; intouchcanada.org/gift
Arrangements entrusted to Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, 26 Nihan Drive, St. Catharines (between Lake Street & Scott Street), 289-362-1144. Online condolences may be made at CCBSCares.ca
May 17, 1927 – January 10, 2021
Jesus declares a comforting reality with us: “I am the Resurrection and the Life, the one who believes in Me will live, even though they die.” (John 11:25).
Gunther Kuhl died peacefully in the early morning hours of Sunday, January 10, 2021 – he was 93 years old. His family grieved his passing by spending the day remembering his life and giving praise to Jesus for welcoming him home with open arms.
Gunther was born on Tuesday, May 17, 1927, the eldest child of Richard and Lilli Kuhl, who with his brothers Arno and Dieter, and sister Astrid (Gutthardt), all preceded him in death. He leaves behind his wife Erna (nee Pyde) of over 68 years, 3 children, Roland, Dagmar (Hoffmann) and Cornelia (Gray), who along with their spouses (Lynne, Reinhard and Kelly) blessed him with 6 grandchildren – Aaron (Dayna), Nathan (Alicia), Eli (Tawny) Hoffmann, Heather and Hilary Kuhl and Nigel Gray. Also 11 great-grandchildren with another on the way.
Gunther was raised in the farming village of Hohenkarzig, about 100 km northeast of Berlin – which was in Germany at the time, but now is in Poland. He was no stranger to conflict, having encountered war at a young age, experiencing turmoil and displacement.
The unsettled nature of his early years led him to be adventurous, as he, his brother Arno, and future brother-in-law Eduard, headed across the Atlantic in 1951 to begin a new life in Canada. They first settled north of Winnipeg and worked in the isolated forests in conditions that few might have survived. Erna emigrated a year later and they married in Whitemouth, MB in November of 1952. The newlyweds moved to Prince Rupert, B.C. where their 3 children were born. Then across the country to St. Catharines, Ontario a few years later, where they made their home and raised their children.
Surviving WW2 and the severe conditions of a POW camp shaped Gunther's desire to make peace and seek peace in relationships. If he wronged someone, he would seek forgiveness and reconciliation. Being a Tuesday child (full of grace) made grace a deep part of his character. This was revealed in the love and deep devotion he gave to his wife Erna. In 2006 Erna suffered a debilitating stroke which completely changed their lives. Gunther became Erna's primary caregiver and his wife's voice as she could no longer communicate. They moved into Heidehof in 2008 and then in 2011 went into long term care sharing a room. Together they were true to the adage "the longer we love, the stronger we love”. Gunther cared for his wife as best he could right up to his final days.
Gunther had numerous jobs throughout his life – bricklayer, working in the bush for CP Rail, delivering fuel oil, operating a number of gas stations, as well as being a construction contractor for DuoTemp and Sears as G. Kuhl Construction. His work was not his legacy, but rather his legacy was his family and his faith. He loved meeting new people and hearing their life stories. After retiring, he volunteered at City Mission, a faith based soup kitchen in downtown St. Catharines. He volunteered on many Habitat for Humanity builds both before and after retiring and worked in their ReStore warehouse on Cushman Road. Many enjoyable hours were spent playing cribbage, cards and dominoes with family and friends.
Gunther and his family worshipped at Immanuel Baptist Church, where he and Erna were members since 1960. Besides serving in numerous roles over the years from Sunday School teacher to church moderator, he was also pivotal in overseeing the construction of the church building on the corner of Vine and Parnell.
Gunther was a family man who loved his children, doted on his grandchildren and adored his great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Charlotte, Corban, Selah, Isaiah, Deacon, Matthias, Caleb, Reed, Phinehas and Bennett.
Gunther's life was shaped by his love for Jesus Christ and to share God's amazing love with others – which he continued to do, even in his last years. Throughout his life, he lived simply, gave generously and loved powerfully. His family rejoices with Gunther that he is home with his Lord and Saviour, reunited with his parents, brothers and sister. He will be missed every single day. He was so loved.
A private family service was held at the gravesite at Victoria Lawn Cemetery on January 12, 2021. A memorial service is planned to celebrate the life of Gunther.
For those desiring to make a donation in remembrance of Gunther Kuhl, you are invited to give support to In Touch Ministries (whose ministry brought comfort and strength to Gunther).
Box 4900, Markham, Ontario L3R 6G9; 1-800-323-3747; intouchcanada.org/gift
Arrangements entrusted to Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, 26 Nihan Drive, St. Catharines (between Lake Street & Scott Street), 289-362-1144. Online condolences may be made at CCBSCares.ca