Herman Kuehnel

Herman Jerome "Jake" Kuehnel, 86, passed away peacefully at 8:40 a.m., Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Jerseyville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Born on July 31, 1939, in Jerseyville, Jake was one of eleven children born to the late William H. and Viola E. (Grover) Kuehnel. He was raised in Delhi, where the values of hard work, family and perseverance were instilled in him from an early age. Jake began working as a farmhand during his teenage years, helping provide for his family and developing the strong work that would define his life. 

Throughout his younger years, Jake worked a variety of jobs which included Olin in 1962 before moving to Wisconsin in 1966-1968 where he worked at the Badger Army Ammunition Plant. After returning he began a career with Peavey Flour Mill. He remained with the company through its transition to ConAgra, dedicating more than 30 years of service in both maintenance and fumigation before retiring in 2002. 

Jake married the former Judy Grounds, on July 7, 1961, and together their marriage was blessed with three children, who became the pride of his life.

In his younger days, Jake was an avid softball player, competing in both fast pitch and slow pitch leagues. He enjoyed being a part of the old “Diner” softball team during the 60s, 70s and 80s which included his brothers. Softball was more than a pastime; it was a family tradition shared throughout the Kuehnel family. That same appreciation for tradition carried over into his love for gardening. Jake could often be found tending a large garden, growing just about anything that would take root. Whether in the ballfield, the garden or simply surrounded by family, he found his greatest joy in life’s simple pleasures. 

He is survived by his three children and their spouses, Dean and Sherry Kuehnel of Godfrey, Todd and Wendy Kuehnel of Springfield, Missouri, and Julie and Brent Stice of Chatham; six grandchildren, Pete Kuehnel, Mikalya Kuehnel, Lucas Kuehnel, Peyton Stice, Harper Stice and Hadley Stice; a brother and sister-in-law, James and Madeline Kuehnel of Jerseyville; two sisters-in-law, Norma Kuehnel of Jerseyville and Mary Kuehnel of Godfrey; along with many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings and their spouses, Edward and Maxine Kuehnel, Thomas and Marcella Kuehnel, Eugene Kuehnel, William and Sandy Kuehnel, Opal and Jiggs Kallal, Helen and Vernon Bounds, Edith and William Scott, Robert Kuehnel, and Virginia and Clyde Myers.

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. 

Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com.

Obit Provided By:
Crawford Funeral Home