Cover photo for Marilyn C. Kuhn's Obituary
Marilyn C. Kuhn Profile Photo
1936 Marilyn 2022

Marilyn C. Kuhn

October 2, 1936 — May 20, 2022

Davenport Crystal Lake

Marilyn Clara (Katt) Kuhn, 85, passed away May 20, 2022, in Crystal Lake, IL. Born and raised in Chicago to Anthony Peter and Clara (Krueger) Katt, she was the loving sister of Anthony Fredrick (deceased). Marilyn, more affectionately known as “Mar” by her loving and devoted husband Donald (Don) James Kuhn, who preceded her in death (deceased, Jan. 26, 2022), is also the loving mother of Donna (Kuhn) Evans, James Kuhn (deceased 2012), Nancy (Kuhn) Parker, Frederick Kuhn, and Kathie (Kuhn) Murphy.

Additional family members who will forever cherish her memory are her beloved grandchildren — Katie, Kimberly, and Kasey Manecke; Claire, Hannah (Parker) Rocha, and Seth Parker; MacKenzie and Griffin Kuhn; and Gavin and Sean Evans, as well as her sons-in-law Michael Evans and Daniel Parker, and daughter-in-law Dee Ann (Maki) Kuhn.

Marilyn was made of strong German stock but had a genuine heart of gold. Her kindness and tenderness toward her children, grandchildren, and her children’s spouses knew no bounds. Her capacity for love embraced all those who touched her life, having been cultivated throughout the 66-year love affair she and Don shared since the day they were married in 1956. Their love for each other and the beautiful combination of their marriage and faith inspired all who knew them. Sadly, Don’s sudden death in January took a tremendous toll on Marilyn who, when told about her husband’s passing, informed her family that it “…wasn’t possible Dad was gone, because her heart was still beating.” Marilyn’s grief was compounded, having lost their son Jimmy to a  congenital heart defect in 2012. Their steadfast devotion to Jim and his care lasted more than a year.

A fierce lover of dogs, particularly Schnauzers, Marilyn gladly served as voluntary “grandmother” to all her children’s dogs, which included Schnauzers, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Jack Russell Terriers, a few beautiful Mutts, and German Shepherds, particularly one named Duke — a stray her son Jimmy brought home and who, upon his arrival, preceded to eat away a couch and windowsill — but was still deeply loved by Mom.

Because Don, known as “Captain Kuhn,” served 33 years as Captain of the Elk Grove Village Fire Department and had outside jobs on his off-shifts, Marilyn ran the household and cared — and carted around — her five children. She’s fondly remembered for her wicked side arm obtained from years of throwing random shoes up the stairs, having repeatedly found them scattered at the doorway each day. With Don, she also helped run “Dandy Dogs,” a hot dog stand and family enterprise where the two of them filled orders alongside their children. Marilyn was also known as a “softie” according to her children; a trait they all took full of advantage of when needed.

When Don retired from the fire department, he and Marilyn moved to Florida. There they lived a beautiful life, enjoying time together and visiting their children and grandchildren around the country. You could often find Marilyn on her beloved porch swing, watching Don putzing around the yard, happily content.

We believe Marilyn and Don (Mom and Dad) are together again, with Jimmy. Their cherished memories will forever fill our hearts and their beautiful example of what true love embodies, will forever guide us.

In lieu of flowers, the Kuhn family asks for donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, May 25, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas Catholic Church, 451 W Terra Cotta Ave, Crystal Lake. Burial will be held privately.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Marilyn C. Kuhn, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Funeral Mass

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Starts at 10:30 am (Central time)

St. Thomas the Apostle Church

, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

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