Robert "Bob" A. Kuehl

KUEHL, ROBERT (BOB) (Age 90) Our beloved father, grandfather, and friend to many went home on May 19th to be with his heavenly Father and to be reunited with his loving wife, Margaret. He was a devout Christian and loved his Lord and Savior with all his heart. He could be heard singing church hymns and praying from his hospital bed in the final days before his passing. Bob was born on October 3, 1930 to Alfred and Cora Kuehl in Spokane, WA. He was a talented athlete and played both basketball and baseball in school. After graduation from North Central High School, he enrolled in Eastern Washington State College (now EWU) and played for their baseball team. Following his sophomore year, he enlisted in the Air Force to serve during the Korean War. As a standout college baseball player, he was assigned to special services and stationed in Japan to play baseball for the Air Force. He was part of the world-wide champion armed forces baseball team in 1952. Upon returning from Japan, he continued his college baseball career and pursued a degree in education. He married the love of his life, Margaret Johnsen, in February of 1954 and children soon followed. He spent the next three decades teaching, coaching, and working in school administration while raising a growing family. He also carried on his passion for athletics by playing in the semi-pro Spokane Twilight Baseball League and refereeing high school and collegiate basketball for over twenty years (the latter of which earned him a Hall of Fame induction). His long career in education began in 1954 with teaching assignments in Rockford and Twisp; he soon returned to Spokane to teach at Wilson Elementary and later Shadle Park High School where he eventually became an Assistant Principal. During summer breaks, Bob worked many different jobs including being Park Leader at Comstock Park and driving a combine during harvest on the Isaac farm in Coulee City. In 1973, he became Principal of Cheney High School and remained there until his retirement in 1984. Bob and Margaret spent 58 wonderful years together before her passing in 2012. They raised five children in the house that he and his father built together; he remained in this home until his passing. He had a large garden and grew many of his own vegetables and fruits, including his prized raspberries. His yard was always meticulously maintained and landscaped - with many years of free labor provided by his kids! Bob loved to travel with Margaret across the country and made special trips to both England and Norway. They also spent several winters in southern California with good friends and his sister, Evelyn. In addition to traveling, he enjoyed helping his kids with home projects (especially if it involved a paintbrush) and spending time with his grandkids at their many sporting events and activities. He served on the board of the Union Gospel Mission for many years and volunteered his time and skills to those in need. He is survived by his three daughters: Rebecca (Eldyn) Humphrey of Mead, Deanna (Bill) Jones of Spokane, and Linda (Dave) Clarke of Spokane, and two sons: Bob (Lisa) Kuehl of Bellingham and Craig (Lynette) Kuehl of Chattaroy; 13 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret, and his sister, Evelyn Benson. His family will be celebrating his life with a graveside ceremony at Greenwood Cemetery on June 6th. Memorial contributions can be made in Bob’s name to Hospice of Spokane, Union Gospel Mission, or Turning Point Open Bible Church.