David G Kuehn

David Gerald Kuehn, 76, of St. Clair Township, died Saturday, August 10, 2024.

He was born on October 15, 1947 in a small house at 3290 Petit Street, Port Huron, to the late Russell and Maxine (Parrow) Kuehn. Dave graduated from Port Huron High School in 1966 and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps shortly after. He graduated from Basic Infantry Training at Camp Pendleton and received nine months of guerrilla and amphibious combat training at the Marine Corps Air Station in Hawaii. In August 1967, he was sent to Vietnam and assigned to Hotel Co, 2nd Bat, 4th Mar. Two months later he was critically wounded by a mortar while patrolling the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) called Con Thein. He had emergency surgery on his 20th Birthday in Cam Rahn Bay. It was found he had shrapnel in his heart, but it was not removed in fear it would cause more damage.

In May 1968, David volunteered to return Vietnam as a rifleman for a second tour of duty with Delta Co, 1st Bat, 3rd Mar, 3rd Mar Div. Most of his first eleven months was spent in the bush patrolling the DMZ and Ho Chi Minh trail. In August 1968, he received his second Purple Heart for shrapnel wounds in his leg. In May 1969, on his second day of R&R in Sydney, Australia it was found he had Malaria and spent 36 days recovering in Queens Hospital. In July 1969, he returned home and was awarded a Certificate of Commendation from the Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific for Outstanding Performance of Duty while serving as a Radio Operator and for participating in fifteen major combat operations along with a Meritorious Combat Promotion to Sergeant.

After his military service, Dave worked as a Dyck security guard, electrician, mason laborer, and for Daimler Chrysler since 1973. He was a jack of all trades and there was nothing he couldn’t do. Dave built the last home he lived in, rebuilt cars, and was avid farmer. He was the ultimate provider and would give the shirt off his back for his family.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Judith (Farr) Kuehn; two daughters, Marcy (Mark) Caza and Nikki (Joel) Wall; five grandchildren, Troy, Taylor, Tyler, Owen and Braeden; his brother, Elmer Kuehn (Bernita Coughlin); and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; three siblings, Fred Kuehn, Lois McIntyre and Barbara Kotelman; and his dear friend, Arturo “Artie” Garcia.

Private family services with Military Honors conducted by the U.S. Marine Corps and St. Clair County Allied Veterans Honor Guard were held.

Memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 12 - Port Huron. Arrangements are by Marysville Funeral Home. To send condolences, visit marysvillefuneralhome.com