Orville Kuehner

Herrin- ORVILLE KUEHNER, age 95, of Herrin, died at 2:28 PM, Friday, August 25, 2006 at Shawnee Christian Nursing Center in Herrin. Orville was born August 12, 1911, in St. Paul, MN, the son of John Herman and Anna Elsa (Paul) Kuehner. During Orvilles childhood he lived in St. Paul, MN; Nason, IL; Mexico, MO; and Metropolis, IL before settling in Herrin in 1930. He married Alene Ross in Herrin on May 29, 1940. She preceded him in death on July 15, 2005. Mr. Kuehner worked for Standard Oil in Herrin, as a welder for IL Coal Corporation in Nason, IL; in the central shops for Consolidated Coal Co.; Johnston City; and CWF Coal Co. of Waltonville, IL. For many years he was on a Herrin bowling team. He enjoyed watching Herrin High School sporting events, especially boys basketball, and girls softball. He was always an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. Orville derived much pleasure from hearing amusing stories and cute sayings of his great grandchildren, and enjoyed sharing those stories with his next visitor. His family will miss his dry wit and easy-going nature. Mr. Kuehner was a charter member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Herrin, which was founded by his father and the late Dr. Hennig. Survivors include- Daughter & son in law- Suzanne Kuehner Payne and husband Bill - Herrin, IL Daughter & son in law- Karen Kuehner Nighswander and husband Jim - Goreville, IL Son & Daughter in law- Byron and Judy Kuehner- Herrin, IL Eight Grandchildren: Brad Payne & wife Jodie- Herrin, IL Joe Nighswander & wife Sara- Goreville, IL Jason Nighswander & wife Ali- Woodbury, MN Cindy Payne Griffith & husband Ray- Naperville, IL Kim Payne Headean & husband Jeff- Morton, IL Kristi Kuehner Dillman & husband Tyler- Highley, IL Terri Nighswander Edelstein & husband Dick- Stockton, CA Randle Kuehner- Phoenix, AZ Twelve Great Grandchildren Two Half-Sisters- Natalie Kuehner Walta and husband Arnold- Washington Naomi Kuehner Banker- Oregon Several Nieces and Nephews Mr. Kuehner was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and one sister- Beulah Henderson. Funeral services for Orville will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, September 1, 2006 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Herrin with Rev. Michael Henson officiating. Burial will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens in Energy. Visitation will be held from noon until 2:00pm on Friday, September 1, 2006 at the Trinity Lutheran Church. Arrangements are being handled by Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Memorial donations may be given to Hospice of Southern Illinois; Trinity Lutheran Church, or Shawnee Christian Nursing Center. For more information, or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com