Judy Kuehl

Judith (Judy) Joan Kuehl, 78-years-old, died suddenly on Friday, March 20, 2015, at her home on Mayflower Lane in Grinnell, Iowa.

She was born on June 4, 1936, in Evansville, Indiana, to Rev. Robert and Bertha (Riepl) Groves. She was the oldest of three children with two younger brothers, Robert Groves and Danny Groves.

While attending Elmhurst College in Illinois, she met “the man she was going to marry.” His name was Lyle Kuehl. Their journey together began at a restaurant when their eyes met from across the room, and the rest was history. At 9:50 on the library steps Lyle asked Judy to marry him. She eventually graduated in 1958 from Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, with a Licensed Physical Therapy Degree. They were married the following year, on March 21, 1959, in Louisville, Kentucky.

Married for 56 years, Judy and Lyle raised 4 children, Scott, Carla, Donna, and Becky. Over the years they lived in St. Louis, Missouri as well as in Peterson, Hiawatha, and Creston, Iowa. Possessing a true servant’s heart, Judy faithfully cared for her family and friends. As the heart of the Kuehl family, Judy shaped their spirituality with her deep Christian faith. She had a real zest for life and loved to read, swim, garden, cook, make music, and play games—especially with her grandchildren.

In addition to marriage and motherhood, Judy’s professional career encompassed a lifelong devotion to hospitals in Louisville, St. Louis, Creston, and Corning. Judy modeled genuine love and sincere compassion, sharing this view of life to everyone around her. She completed her career in 1996.

After retirement, the couple moved to a home in Grinnell, Iowa, in the Mayflower Community. They reunited with old friends and met many new friends as well. She loved the water aerobics class with the Pfitsch’s Fish group, playing cards with friends, and gathering socially at Saints Rest Coffee House. Judy always shared her time and talents with the church and community, helping with Mayflower projects and hosting international students attending Grinnell College. Along with these activities, she was never too busy to make time for her grandchildren and was so proud of each and every one of their accomplishments.

Living Family Members

Husband of 56 Years: Lyle V. Kuehl

Children and Grandchildren: Scott (Maribel) Kuehl [Dallas, Texas] - Stephen Kuehl (Liz Pullen, Fiancé) and Jeremy Kuehl; Carla (Tracy) Kuehl-Purdum [Norwalk, Iowa] - Alexis Ward (Jeremy), Elizabeth and Emma Purdum; Donna (Chad) Forde [Olathe, Kansas] - Mikayla and Maria Forde; Becky (Brad) Baker [Creston, Iowa] - Brenna, Brielle, Brance and Braelyn Baker

Two Brothers: Dr. Robert Groves (Rita) and Dr. Danny Groves (Elaine)

Brother-In-Law: Gene Kuehl

Other Family Members: Many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and godchildren

Celebration of Life Service - Tuesday, March 24 at 11:00 at the Grinnell United Church of Christ (902 Broad Street, Grinnell, IA) with a meal following. Details can be accessed at the Smith Funeral Home Website. www.smithfh.com

Memorials:

• Pilgrim Heights Camp and Retreat Center

• Mayflower Community Human Needs Endowment Fund

• Another way to honor Judy’s giving spirit is to do a loving act of kindness, make someone laugh, send a card, give a hug, or say “I love you” to a special friend in her memory.

The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support expressed in so many heart-felt ways. There are too many people to name individually, but it includes many family and friends. We appreciate all the prayers and/or visits and random acts of kindness.

This story of life is a tribute to Judy Kuehl. It was written in honor of her memory, which will be carried on in the legacy of love that is now within each of us and in the lives she formed and touched with her love. Judy was filled with an inner light that was visible in her beautiful smile. She worked so hard to keep so many family traditions and memories alive. She was our angel that lived, laughed, and loved.