Vernon H. Kuhlmann, 104, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, November 19, 2025, at his home on the ranch near Roundup, Montana. Born on April 25, 1921, he was the ninth of ten children born to Dick and Volettie Kuhlmann.

Vernon grew up on the farm and attended the country school at Diamond Ridge, walking three-quarters of a mile across the field. His life changed abruptly in 1931 when his father died suddenly at the beginning of the Great Depression and in the heart of the Dust Bowl.  With no welfare or relief available, Vernon went to work at a young age for a neighboring farmer. He milked cows, pitched hay, scooped grain and silage, worked mules, and gave his weekly wage of 50 cents to his widowed mother. Though he completed an eighth-grade education, earning a living took priority.

As a teenager, Vernon worked as an attendant at a small service station, where he developed a lifelong love of cars and engines. It was there he received his notice from Uncle Sam. With his three older brothers already serving, Vernon answered the call to duty with quiet courage. Four of Lettie’s boys were off to war by 1942. Vernon served honorably and returned home late in 1945. He sold the draft horses, bought a tractor and went back to farming and bought his mother a nice little house in the small town of Athol, KS. Vernon also bought a truck and hauled cattle and hay for local cattle buyers.

On April 12, 1948, he married Doris Meyer, a girl from his church. They shared nearly 65 devoted years together and were blessed with four children: Kenneth, Garen, Mildred, and Teresa. Vernon farmed locally and managed a harvest crew that traveled from Texas to North Dakota. In the 1960s and ’70s, he owned and operated a tractor and implement business, selling Case, Cockshutt, and Oliver equipment.

A lifelong member of The Country Church near Athol (St. John Lutheran), Vernon served on the church council and on many committees, always ready to repair, build, or do whatever was needed. He was a proud member of the VFW and the American Legion for 81 years. His hobbies include baseball, bowling, and especially playing cards. After retiring, Vernon spent several years selling and repairing lawn mowers, keeping every engine in perfect condition.

Family was the center of Vernon’s life. He loved attending his children’s and grandchildren’s activities and cherished the friendships formed around countless card games. After Doris’s passing in 2013 Vernon spent time living with each of his children. A few years at Sumatra on the Coffee Ranch with Ken and Daphne, then to Arizona with his daughter Teresa for multiple winters, then with Ken’s at Lavina on the Jensen ranch for a couple years. He lived twelve years with Mildred and Tom near Phillipsburg, Kansas, and in his final five years lived with Ken and Daphne on the ranch near Roundup.

Vernon enjoyed playing cards and coffee time in Phillipsburg and loved driving to Glade to eat lunch at the Triple C where he had memorized the menu.  From ages 99 to 104, he delighted in riding along to check cows, roll out hay, and watch young horses at work. His favorite day of the week was when his friend Dan Jenkins would come by for cribbage and take him to the Grand Bar for lunch—and often another game or two afterward. Vernon also enjoyed his daily Coke and Hershey bar, his favorite recliner and blanket, and the sunshine pouring through the big window. He remained, throughout his life, a kind, humble, hardworking gentleman of few words and a full and accomplished life.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Doris; all of his siblings, and his son-in-law Tom Hadley. He outlived all of his old friends.

He is survived by four children: Kenneth (Daphne) of Roundup, Montana; Garen of Smith Center, Kansas; Mildred of Phillipsburg, Kansas; and Teresa (Terry) of San Tan Valley, Arizona.  He leaves behind 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, one great grandchild and one great-great-grandchild both expected in February 2026.

A young man once asked Vernon the secret to his long life. His answer was simple: “Live right.”

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, Athol, KS with Pastors Ann Auten and David Kramer presiding.  Visitation will be held Friday, November 28, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with family present to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at All Faiths Funeral Chapel, Smith Center and Saturday prior to service at the church.  Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery, Athol, KS, with military honors.  Memorials may be given to St. John Lutheran Church of Athol, and/or VFW Post 1141 of Smith Center and/or American Legion Post 166 of Kensington and can be sent in care of All Faiths Funeral Chapel, 113 S. Madison St., Smith Center KS  66967.