Edward Kendall Kuhr
"Ken"
Ken Kuhr , 73, died on Nov.8 at the Eagle Cliff Manor in
Billings. He died peacefully with his family at his side after
being afflicted with Parkinson's Disease for 23 years.
Ken was born in Havre on May 25, 1937 to Frances and Edward
J. Kuhr of Chinook. He grew up in Chinook, attended local
schools, and graduated from Chinook High School in 1955. He
was a member of the Montana National Guard serving at Fort
Knox, and in 1960 graduated from the University of Montana
where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
On August 27, 1960 he and Anna Lee Peterson were married in
Butte. They made their home in Chinook for 43 years where
they raised their family and were involved in community
affairs. He was the third-generation owner of Kuhr Clothing,
which had been started by his grandfather Frank Boyle in
1900. During his college years and after marriage he worked
with his father as owner and manager until the death of his
father in 1988. His hope was to keep the store going for 100
years, but ill health forced his retirement in 1999. In 2003
he and Lee moved to Billings to be closer to their daughter
and her family and to medical treatment there.
Ken was an active community member in Chinook. He was a
member of Fraternal Order of Eagles, a charter member of the
Chinook JayCees and the Chinook Toastmasters Club, served
two terms on the Chinook School Board, and while president
of the Chinook Chamber of Commerce organized the first
Farmer-Rancher Appreciation Night in Blaine County. Ken was
an avid bow hunter and outdoorsman, and especially enjoyed
camping and hiking with his family in Glacier National Park
and the Canadian Rockies and visiting in Northern Arizona.
He was a good son, a loving husband, a devoted father and
grandfather, and a trustworthy and loyal friend.
He is survived by his wife, Lee, and children Kathy and Eric
Waldorf of Billings, Scott and Sonvje Kuhr of Flagstaff AZ,
grandchildren Erin and Anna Waldorf of Billings, and Megan
and AJ Kuhr of Flagstaff. He was preceded in death by his
parents, Edward J. Kuhr and Frances Boyle Kuhr and
brother-in-law Leroy H. Peterson of Butte.
At his request there will be cremation and no services will be held. Memorials are suggested to the Nature Conservancy, 32 So. Ewing, Suite 215, Helena, MT 59601. Ken's family appreciates the care, concern, and kindness shown to him by the staff at the Eagle Cliff Manor while he resided there.
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.
The Don and Mary Harshman family of Chinook wish to extend our deepest sympathies
Lee, Kathy and Scott,
Ken was a good friend, and we always enjoyed the time at Essex. The store was a treasure, and we felt so bad when he had to close it. His long struggle with Parkinson's is over, and I know you must be comforted by knowing that you gave him so much love and support. Arlo & Darlene Skari