"Dear Twila, My deepest sympathy to you. I remember having fun swimming and boating with you and Don on Okoboji several summers ago. Don loved boating on Okoboji. "
In loving memory of
Don Kuchel
April 26, 1938 - July 19, 2013
Donald D. Kuchel, age 75, of Ocala, Florida, passed away Friday, July 19, 2013, at the Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Don was born on April 26, 1938, in Kingsley, Iowa, to Philip and Maxine (Steffe) Kuchel. He was united in marriage to Twila Rypkema on September 30, 1995, in Arnolds Park.
Don graduated from Kingsley High School, Wayne State University and earned Masters Degrees from the University of South Dakota in Industrial Education and Counseling. He worked in education until he retired in 2000, and continued to work in construction until his passing. Don enjoyed spending his spare time golfing, playing cards and boating at the lakes. His true passion in life was his family!
Don is survived by his wife, Twila Kuchel of Ocala, Florida; daughter, Tami Hanson, and her husband, Dwaine of Lakefield; son, Bob Kuchel of Omaha; step-son, Rolf Woelber of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; sister, LuAnn Ruba; five brothers, Terry Kuchel, and his wife, Deborah, Ken Kuchel, and his wife, Doneen, Mark Kuchel, and his wife, Barb, Blaine Kuchel, and his wife, LuAnne, and Kevin Kuchel, and his wife, Sherri; five grandchildren, Jamie, Aaron, Austin, Connor and Kaylen; and four great-grandchildren, Cameron, Peyton, Cayden and Kellan. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Deb; and step-son, Joseph.
A Celebration of Don's Life will be held at 4:00P.M. Tuesday, July 23, 2013, at the Schuchert Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Don's name.
Tributes
"Jamie, and family, I heard your grandpa had passed away on the radio. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Laure and Austin"
"Twila, I am so sorry to hear about Don's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please take care of yourself and let me know if I can do anything for you. Love ya, Lanette"
"I would like to send my condolences to all of Don's brothers, sisters, and extended family. Don and Terry occasionally came to our farm in the summer time to help us with baling alfalfa hay. Their mother, Maxine, and my father, Hilburn Steffe, were brother and sister, and Dad often spoke of "Max and Phil" and they occasionally visited each other. Those days weren't all that long ago! Maxine was a lot like her Mother, Bessie, and had the same personality and laugh at least as far as I was concerned. Don was very special to me--after all, he was my first cousin and only two years younger--but other than that we were both teachers, and teachers feel a very special bond. We went our own ways and basically lost track of one another living our own lives, but I just wanted all of Don's brothers and sisters to know just how well I remember Don. And, Terry, and the rest of you, my e-mail address is lsteffe@uga.edu should you want to contact me. I would love to hear from you. It is so tragic that Don couldn't have learned that he had atherosclerosis before it became catastrophic and I am so very sorry. Best Regards, Les Steffe and Marilyn Johnson-Steffe. "
"Twila, I am a voice from the past. I worked in Hospice when you were teaching us all about the most recent computer system. I was NOT a good student..... I was sorry to read in the paper of your husbands death. Although I did not know him, I know it is difficult to lose those we care for. Please know that I send my thought and prayers. May wonderful memories sustain you and bring you comfort and peace."
"Dear Twila and family, Our sympathies and prayers go out to you. I (Dick) always appreciated Don's integrity both in his professional life and his personal life. We enjoyed the dinners we shared with the two of you when we would come to Okoboji, and appreciated the time you shared with us. We will truly miss Don. God bless you all. "
"My sympathy to you, Twila, at the sudden passing of Don. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. May God bless Don's memory and grant you peace and comfort."
"I always admired and respected Don as the BVHS principal. He had a reputation of being a no-nonsense guy who ran a tight ship. At the same time he kept a balance by never forgetting how to laugh. I'm very saddened to learn of his passing and send my deepest sympathy to all of his family."
"Don will be missed by all. It was truly a pleasure to be in his company. "
"Twila & Family - We are so very sorry to hear of Don's passing!! He was such a neat guy! Our deepest sympathy to all the Kuchel's!! "
"My heartfelt sympathy to all of Don's family. Hold the best of memories close to you forever."
"Twila & the extended Kuchel Family, we were very saddened with the news of Don's passing. Although we were able to share a short part of his life, the time we did spend with him in Stone Creek was memorable. He was the King of the "9"s and he played them very well. We'll never forget his Don Quioxte plight against the "Ole Oak Tree". Our prayers and thoughts are with you, and Twila thank you for the phone call. Jonathan and Paula Smith"
"Twila & Family - So sorry to hear of the loss of Don. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Rockie & Karol West (from your days at Avera McKennan Home Care)"
"Twila, my deepest sympathy in the loss of your husband. I know we lost touch since you moved to Florida but have thought of you often."
"Twila, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time."
"We were sad to hear of Don's passing. He was a good friend in our many years together at Westwood. He started me on my school counseling career and we worked very closely for a number of years. He had a great sense of humor, for which I will remember him. Our sympathy to Twila, Tami, Bob and families. Don touched my life as he did many students and faculty in his years in education."
"Don was a great guy. I got to know him for many years golfing at Emerald Hills. Great sense of humor and fun to be around. Always smiling and telling jokes. He will be missed by all who knew him. God bless."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time. "
"Don was a good friend and I enjoyed working with him during our time at West High School in Sioux City. I kept track of him in his different jobs through the years and saw him often here in the Lakes Region. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family."
"You all are in our thoughts & prayers. We have many fond memories of Don. Don will always have a special place in our hearts. "