William “Bill” H. Kuhnke, Jr.

William “Bill” H. Kuhnke, Jr., age 91, passed away on Monday, August 17, 2026, at home in Navarino. Born on December 23, 1934, to the late William and Elinor (Nitzske) Kuhnke, Sr. in the Town of Maine in WI. Bill initially went to Bonduel High School but decided to join the United States Army in 1951 at the age of 17. He went on to earn many titles and worked in many types of stations including Cavalry, Airborne, and earned the rank of Sergeant. Bill was very proud to have earned the title Master Paratrooper and attended Mountain Climbing School in Japan. During his time in the Army, he met the love of his life Helga Richter and married her in Mannheim, Germany on February 10, 1961. Bill was known for his marksmanship and travelled all over the United States competing in shooting competitions. He served his country with pride until his combat injuries in Vietnam left him disabled. He earned his Purple Heart. His injuries didn’t dampen his love for his country and was patriotic his entire life. In Bill’s free time, he loved hunting, fishing, golfing, bowling and watching his favorite sports teams like the Packers, Brewers, and Navarino Rangers. Bill had a knack for gardening, especially growing potatoes and corn. Those who knew Bill knew him to be disciplined, dedicated, conservative, and put the capital R in Responsibility. Bill was a wonderful husband, father, brother, and friend and will be deeply missed.
Bill is survived by: his wife of 65 years Helga Kuhnke; his children, Elizabeth (Scott) Stouffer, Bill Kuhnke III, and Loralee Kuhnke; his sisters, Rose (Becky) Pues, Betty (Bruce) Ladwig, and Carol Prellwitz. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by: his parents William, Sr. and Elinor; his siblings, Roger (Misako), Ronald (Val), Shirley (Reuben), John, Donald (Janice), Pat (John), Diane, Barbara (Sam), Lucy, and Louis.
A funeral service for Bill will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Ascension Church in Navarino with Rev. Mark and Rev. Marcia Sabin officiating. Visitation will begin on Saturday at the church at 10 am until the time of service. Burial will be held in the church cemetery following services, along with military honors conducted by the VFW.
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