Obituary for Vernon Harry Kuhlmann
Vernon H. Kuhlmann, 104 years and nearly seven months, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, November 19, 2025, at his home on the ranch near Roundup, Montana. Vernon was born on April 25, 1921 in Athol, Kansas, the ninth of ten children born to Dick and Volettie Kuhlmann.
Vernon grew up on the farm and attended country school. 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 trucked cattle and hay and farmed.
On April 4, 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 included baseball, bowling, and especially playing cards. After retiring, Vernon spent several years selling and repairing lawn mowers.
Family was the center of his life, and he had many local friends and neighbors that he enjoyed. He also stayed in touch with his army buddies through the years. After Doris’s passing in 2013 Vernon spent time living with his children. A few years at Sumatra on the Coffee Ranch with Ken and Daphne, then to Arizona with a daughter Teresa for a winter, then with Ken’s at Lavina on the Jensen ranch for a couple years. He lived for several years with Mildred and Tom near Phillipsburg, Kansas, and in his final five years lived with Ken and Daphne on the ranch near Roundup.
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. His was a full and accomplished life.
Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Doris; all his siblings; his son-in-law, Tom Hadley; and nephews Otto Kuhlmann (and wife Audrey) and Bob Kuhlmann (and wife June). 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 17 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild expected in February 2026. A young man once asked Vernon the secret to his long life. His answer was simple: “Live right.”
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Previous Events
Service
Tuesday
25
Nov
10:00 AM
Wier Funeral Home
208 1st Street West
Roundup, MT 59072
Cemetery Details
Location
St. John's Lutheran Cemetery
20012 J Road
Athol, KS 66932
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