Fred KuhlmanFred Kuhlman was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on Dec. 12, 1927. He was raised in Des Moines and Storm Lake. He was active in his parish and served as the head altar server for the Bishop in Storm Lake. He graduated from high school in 1945, and entered the U.S. Navy as a Seaman First Class Radio Technician serving in Guam, on the island of Truk, and in Michigan.
Upon discharge, he enrolled at Iowa State College and graduated as an electrical engineer in communications. While in college he met and married Luella Partington of Des Moines. From 1952-1955, he worked for North American Aviation in the San Fernando Valley. He worked for Lockheed Aircraft Company in Southern California for two years, then transferred to Lockheed Missiles and Space Company in Sunnyvale, where he worked for 34 years. He retired as a senior staff scientist.
Fred was a Knight of Columbus, second degree, and a member of the degree team. He was a coach for the Phillies in the Moreland Little League. He helped established Cub Scout Pack 325 and was a Boy Scout Troup leader in San Jose's West Valley area. Fred was active in the parent organizations for St. Clare's Catholic School in Santa Clara, Mother Butler High School in San Jose and Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose. He volunteered and facilitated Mitty Bingo for many years and was honored as Volunteer of the Year, along with his wife. Fred showed beagles in the Santa Clara County Beagle Club.
After he lost his wife of 46 years, his constant companion was Kahlua, his black Russian terrier. Fred was an avid Harbour Lights lighthouse collector and a "WACKO" and was known as the "Ancient Mariner" to the club members. He and his wife founded the local chapter of the club. In retirement he, his family and friends enjoyed vacationing at their cabin in Blue Lake Springs in Arnold.
His son, Steven Kuhlman, is married to Gerry and they have three children, Caroline, Andrew and Travis. His daughter, Mickey, is married to Frank Spratling and they have two children, Rochelle and Bryan.
He is survived by his older brother, Bob Kuhlman, of Clive, Iowa, and his half-sister, Ethel Pounds of Sioux Rapids, Iowa. Fred looked forward to his annual cross-country drive despite requiring continuous oxygen for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
In 2006, with trepidation, he left San Jose and his Bela Drive neighbors of 50 years to move to Quail Park in Visalia. He considered the community to be his extended family.
He inspired many with his independence, tenacity and drive. Fred passed away comfortably in his home with the assistance of Optimal Hospice on July 14, 2007.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 21, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel at Gates of Heaven Cemetery at 22555 Cristo Rey Drive in Los Altos.
A memorial service is being planned in Visalia at Quail Park. Contributions requested to either the Pulmonary Paper, P.O. Box 877 Ormond Beach, FL 32175, (800) 950-3698, or the Point San Luis Lighthouse, P.O. Box 13556 San Luis Obispo, CA (805) 540-5771. Arrangements by Smith Family Chapel, Exeter. Online condolences:
www.smithfamilychapel. com
Originally published July 19, 2007
