John C Kuehne

In loving memory of John C. Kuehne, 74, who passed away on August 30, 2023.

Most recently residing in Bisbee and Tucson, Arizona, John was born on April 16, 1949, and grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana. He served in the U.S. Army prior to attending the University of New Orleans. He graduated from the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, and later completed graduate studies at Marquette University. John retired as a Commander from the U.S. Navy in 2006, having worked both in clinical dentistry and dental research. He continued his career in research and development at the American Dental Association in Chicago. John found beauty in nature and science and built a home reflecting this in the mountains of Bisbee.

Many friends called him "Dr. John" and remember him as a Christian mystic and teacher. He spent time in various Christian traditions deepening his faith; and in his last years returned to the Roman Catholic Church of his childhood. Much of his Bible study and meditation revolved around the character and Name of God, as expressed in Exodus 34:6-8 and Psalm 19. In his last days in the hospital, he emphasized God's love shown through Jesus.

John gave his family a life rich in love and experiences, like tundra-stomping while stationed on Adak, Alaska, and scuba-diving in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He is survived by his wife Maureen, who cared for him as his health declined, as well as daughters Alexandra (John) Bush, Bahne (Dominic Alvarez) Kuehne and son John Christian Kuehne. He is remembered as Papa John by his twelve grandchildren.

Though scattered across the country, his bond with his siblings was strong and they frequently traveled together. He is survived by his siblings Gayle (Charles) Nolan, Thomas Kuehne, Bruce (Debbie) Kuehne, Mary Ellen Kuehne, and Claire (Doug) Habeeb. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oswald B. and Loree (Lamb) Kuehne.

A memorial service will be held in New Orleans at a future date.