Donald L. Kuhlman

Donald LaVern Kuhlman, age 94, of Pardeeville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at SSM Health St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo.

The memorial gathering will be at Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The memorial service will follow at the funeral home on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dan Verdegan and Rev. Kerry Wilson officiating. Inurnment will be at Lowell Cemetery

Donald was born in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, to Erwin and Lydia (Welk) Kuhlman. He proudly joined the National Guard in 1951 and served until 1952, when he was drafted into the United States Army. Don served his country honorably during the Korean War, where he sustained injuries in combat.

For his bravery and sacrifice, Don received numerous military honors, including the Purple Heart and membership in Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 165. He was also awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Korean Service Medal, Republic of Korea War Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Korean Defense Service Medal, Presidential Citation, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

On June 16, 1956, Don was united in marriage to Geraldine Schoenwetter at Lowell United Methodist Church in Lowell, Wisconsin. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work.

Don worked at GB Lewis in Watertown for over 17 years and later at Kusel Equipment in Watertown for more than 17 years, where he served as a Group Leader in Production. He retired in 1996 after many years of dedicated service.

He was a proud member of Lowell VFW Post #9392 and Disabled American Veterans of Portage. Don was also a past member of the Lowell Rod and Gun Club. One of his greatest honors and adventures was participating in the Honor Flight, alongside his son, Scott, on September 13, 2014 — a day he deeply cherished.

Don was a former member of Lowell United Methodist Church and later a faithful member of Pardeeville Methodist Church.

Don is survived by his wife, Geri of Pardeeville; son, Scott (Linda) Kuhlman of Pardeeville, sister-in-law, Marion “Mary” Kreitzman; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Walter and Ralph Kuhlman; sister, Margaret Grahn; and brothers-in-law, Robert (Alyce) Schoenwetter, Jerome Schoenwetter and Roger Kreitzman.