The death of Juergen Alfred Kuehnen occurred at HDMH on March 7th, 2026, in his ninetieth year. Born in Walsum, Germany on August 24th, 1936, he is survived by his loving wife Margaret, of fifty-five years, younger brother Klaus (Janny), their children and grandchildren in Germany; children from his first marriage: Juergen Jr (Pam), Uli (Joanne) and Christiane (Christopher), and from his second marriage: Hans (Jennifer), Jason (Marcia), and Angelika (Michael).
He also leaves behind eleven grandchildren: Jason (Syra), Ryan (Jennie), Matthew (Taylor), Robert (Jessica), Natasha (Sam), Cassandra (Grace), Mason, Hayden, Abigail, Wolfgang, and Atticus, as well as ten great-grandchildren: Chase, Mason, Cameron, Jameson, Nathan, Everleigh, Isaac, Kaiden, Ira, and Tobias.
Juergen immigrated with his family to Canada in 1966, settling first in Burlington. He came to Huntsville in December 1969 (following the break-up of his first marriage) to build six houses in the new ‘Tasty Creem’ subdivision for a builder from Burlington. Two months later, he met Margaret through mutual friends. They married in July 1971, bought property on Fowlers Road that Fall, started building their dream home (for which Margaret had the plans before she even met Juergen) in the Spring of 1972, and moved in in August 1973, where they remained until last July.
Over those years, many wonderful memories were made with family gatherings. Their door was always open to friends and visitors from overseas. They often billeted German sports teams and brass bands. Once, when enough billets could not be found, they hosted 22 members of a youth band whose mode of transportation was a full-sized motor coach. Local friends looked forward to their annual New Year’s Day Open House, which lasted for at least 30 years. It was with great sadness that the family homestead was sold in July 2025 because of Juergen’s failing health, making it impossible for him to maintain it to his high standards. Margaret’s commitment to keeping him at home for as long as possible was realized when they moved into a bungalow in town last summer, where he comfortably remained until the last three weeks of his life. He enjoyed sitting on the front porch chatting with passing neighbours in the morning, and would switch to the back deck overlooking the forest for the afternoon, keeping an eye out for deer. This past Winter, he spent most of his time looking out the sliding doors, watching for “his birdies” at the feeder.
Juergen was known for his excellent skills as a mason, but due to a back injury had to take a hiatus from 1977-1990. He bought Steinborn’s Delicatessen on Main Street (where Coldwell Banker is today). The potato salad sold there was highly sought after and is still talked about by the locals today.
Juergen had a ‘take charge’ attitude and tended to lead any group in which he became involved. He was president of the local German Canadian Club for about 30 years, president of the Ontario Handball Federation, Chairman of the Huntsville BIA, and even when selected for jury duty, was chosen to be foreman.
Other high points include: Inductee into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame (Team Handball), and the Huntsville Sports Hall of Fame (Handball and Soccer). He was a charter member of the Hidden Valley Ski Club and of the Probus Club of Muskoka North.
His impact on young athletes in Huntsville was immeasurable, helping to bring minor soccer to Huntsville and introducing team handball (an Olympic sport, unknown to most Canadians). He was instrumental in building a soccer field and change house in the bush at the German Canadian Club on Brunel Road, doing so entirely with volunteer labour at no cost to the town. Over the years, teams were hosted from Ontario, Quebec, the USA, Germany and England. He coached handball players in many tournaments and provincial championships. There are many memories his own children, as teammates, will never
forget. In his golden years, he cheered from the sidelines as his grandchildren continued to play the sports he loved and fostered.
During retirement, Juergen and Margaret loved to travel, and he often came back with stories of meeting people he knew or new people who became good friends. He was happiest when working. He loved doing masonry work, and later continued full-time to maintain his beloved property and keep it up to his high standards. Family was very important to him, and he loved spending time with them and helping them out in any way he could. He was a loyal friend and always one of the first to step up and volunteer his time or expertise. His absence leaves a large hole in the lives of many; he always seemed larger than life!
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 13th at ‘The Farm on Old North Road’ (#580) from 1-4 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
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