Racine – Christian John Frederick Kuehnl, age 37, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at his home on Friday, Dec. 27, 2013.

Chris was born in Kenosha on February 7, 1976 to Linda Marie (nee: Desideri) and Kenneth Louis Kuehnl, Jr.    He attended schools in Kenosha and Racine and graduated from Washington Park High School.    Chris was a proud member of the United States Marine Corp, faithfully serving our Country in Okinawa Japan.   He received the Rifle Sharpshooter Badge and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.   He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans-Chapter 20 Kenosha.

Chris was all heart and soul and lived every moment to the fullest.  To Chris…a stranger was a friend he hadn't met yet.   He gave generously of himself to friends and family.   His passion for helping people was reflected in his tireless volunteering, especially investing in the lives of the youth in our community.  He loved coaching youth sports in various leagues and St. Catherine's Middle School.    He enjoyed working out at the gym, fishing, was an all- around sports enthusiast and an avid Chicago Bears Fan.   Above all, he was a devoted father and cherished being with his entire family.

Surviving are his children, Colvin Kuehnl and Kathrin Savage;  parents, Linda & Rick Cate and Kenneth & Linda Kuehnl; sister, Amy Edwards; brother, Philip Kuehnl; step-sister, Sara Cate Smith (Edward); step-brother, Jason Richard; nieces and nephews, Skye Edwards, Alex Kuehnl, Charles Kamp, Addison Richard and William Richard; aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

Chris was preceded in death by his grandparents, Emilio & Claire Desideri and Kenneth & Ann Kuehnl, and his step-brother, Gene Cate.

Funeral services will be held in St Lucy Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, Racine, on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at 1:00 PM with Rev. John Fleming officiating.  Visitation will be in St. Lucy's Church on Saturday from 10 AM – 1:00 PM.  Interment will take place in Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Union Grove, with military honors on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at 10:00 AM.  Donations to the family will be appreciated.

A heartfelt note of thanks to all our family and friends for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.