Donald “Don” W. Kuhlman, 80, passed away January 29, 2021, at his home in Great Bend. He was born May 19, 1940, at Great Bend, to Rudolph and Angela (Mauler) Kuhlman. He married Loretta Staudinger on August 31, 1963, at Dubuque, Kan. 

A lifetime Barton county resident, Don was a farmer. He was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus Council #2100, both of Olmitz, Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Great Bend, NFO (National Farmers Organization), AAM (American Agriculture Movement), the Farm Management Board and was past treasurer of the Walnut Township Board.  

Don’s lifetime of farming saw many changes and innovations, from flood irrigation to drip and circle pivot systems, Ridge Till and No Till practices to maximize yields and promote soil conservation.  His drip irrigation system was the first to be installed in Barton County. He was an avid NASCAR fan who attended many different races at tracks across the country.  For many years he was a collector of Mopar muscle cars and restored them for his children’s first vehicles.  He had a great interest in military and aviation history and visited museums and airshows across the country.  His focus on family was evident in the time spent attending the countless activities of both his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include, his wife, Loretta Kuhlman of the home; three sons, James Kuhlman and wife Debbie of Great Bend, Darryl Kuhlman and wife Cindy of Bellevue, Neb., and Dale Kuhlman and wife Billie of Olmitz; a daughter, Sarah Haywood and husband John of Anchorage, Alaska; and nine grandchildren, Jaime Kuhlman, Jacob Kuhlman, Jessica Kuhlman, Justin Kuhlman and wife Morgan, Taylor Kuhlman, Aden Haywood, Beck Haywood, Ray Kuhlman and Katie Kuhlman. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Virginia Mazouch; and three brothers, Henry Kuhlman, Charles Kuhlman and Marion Kuhlman. 

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 2, 2021, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Vigil and Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7:00 p.m., at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, with Fathers Don Bedore, Charles Mazouch and Jacob Schneider presiding. Interment will be in St. Ann Cemetery, Olmitz. Masks and social distancing are required at all services.  Memorials have been designated to St. Ann Cemetery Fund or Prince of Peace Parish or Holy Family School Endowment Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Rd.

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 31, 2021