William E. Kuhn, Jr

William “Donkey” Edgar Kuhn, Jr. age 69 of rural Pardeeville, died peacefully at his home with his wife and nephew at his side on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

William was born on November 11, 1956 in Portage the son of William Edgar and Inez Emma (Paske) Kuhn, Sr. He was a 1974 graduate of Harlem High School in Rockford, IL. Following his graduation, William enlisted with the U.S. Navy. He served on the ship USS Sperry off the coast of California. William held several jobs throughout his life, which included farming, truck driving and did 11 years with Didion as a grain elevator operator. Most recently he drove truck for Mike Marquardt and he considered Mike as a very dear friend and the best boss. William was united in marriage to Marla Kay Ritter on Sept. 4, 2004 at the Pardeeville Park in Pardeeville. Everyone who knew William will remember him as a man who could not sit for a minute, always having somewhere to go or something to do. In his free time, he enjoyed camping with close friends, shooting off fireworks, riding his lawn mower or just throwing a few back with his buddies in the shed. Even though he suffered many years of pain, William always found the strength to help others and make sure Marla and their home were taken care of.

William will be sadly missed and mourned by his wife, Marla Ritter-Kuhn of rural Pardeeville; his daughter, Katie (Frank) Austin of DeForest and their children, Mikie and Haily; his son, Joe Kuhn of New York and his children; his sister, Diane Helm of Portage; two brothers, Steven and Robert Kuhn, both of Colorado; nieces, nephews, with one nephew in particular who was always around to help and was more of son than a nephew, Jeremiah “Miah” Helm; several other relatives and many dear friends.

William was preceded in death by his parents, his step father Richard Hiller, a brother-in-law James Helm and special family friends, John and Connie Atkinson.

A private family burial will be held in Marcellon Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 21, 2026 from 12 (noon) until 3 p.m. at the Cambria Fire Department Community Center.

The family would to extend a huge thank you to the staff of Agrace Hospice for their compassionate care, especially to Kris, Erin and Stacey