Obituary of John Anton Kuhn

May 26, 1935 - Wilkie, Saskatchewan

July 27, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

John Kuhn went to be with Jesus on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at the age of 88 years.

John was an honorable man and was often described as a one-of-a-kind soul who cherished music, family, and God above all else.

At a very young age he taught himself to play the guitar and then the dobro, which eventually became his instrument of choice. Music was the heartbeat of his life and he never needed lessons to perfect his talents.

His musical career began early with his brother Henry who played the fiddle. Eventually, he joined forces with his brothers Neil, Tony, and Bob to create the awe-inspiring and never duplicated sound of Gospel Bluegrass, that could only be found in the Kuhn Brothers. Their music is still a big part of the family and listened to often by family and friends. Word on the street is that their music has infiltrated various parts of the globe for others to also enjoy.

Although not a highly educated man, his experiences in life and his love for God’s word, enabled John to glean a mountain of wisdom that far superseded any academics. He became the epitome of the adage, “The older I get, the wiser my father becomes.” He was a wise man (often times the wise guy), and the hope is to remember and apply those nuggets of wisdom as we go through the rest of our lives. John really loved to engage in an in-depth and heartfelt conversation about Christ, about Heaven and about the Bible. Which sometimes turned into a gut-wrenching dissection of scripture, trying to figure out "what the Lord was up to", because some things in life just didn't make sense.

Amongst his siblings, he was considered one of the quieter members of the family. However, he impacted more people with his humble personality and subtle sense of humour than he realized. Not a single gathering went by without his quick wit that left us chuckling for hours. Even to his last days, he continued to make us laugh.

For those who knew him best, John had an uncanny ability to make one want to hug him and strangle him all at the same time. Fortunately, we all chose to hug him, even though he couldn’t stand it….so he seemed to indicate.

It cannot go without saying that John was the master at the game of Crokinole. He seemed to be unbeatable. Even in his later years, even when his sight had failed him, it was like he was able to use “The Force”. The man could not be beat.

John recorded hours of music, singing with his kids, other family members and friends. His love of music, family, and Jesus will continue through his children and grandchildren.

John is survived by his two sons, Brent and Les Kuhn; and daughter-in-law Rhonda Michalezki, his daughter Alanna Brooks, son-in-law Kevin Brooks, and his six grandchildren, Nicholas, Harrison, Jarub, Morgan, Jenna, and Addison. 

He is also survived by his sister Sue Vieira and brothers Neil Kuhn, Tony Kuhn, and Bob Kuhn.

He loved Jesus with all his heart, and we know he is with Him now, able to see again and walking hand in hand with the Lord. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched.

As per John’s request, no service will be held. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to John’s favourite charity, the Mustard Seed Street Ministry, 102 – 11 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 0X5 Telephone: (403) 269-1319, www.theseed.ca.

In living memory of John Anton Kuhn, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Heritage, 1708 – 16th Avenue NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 0L7, Telephone: 403-243-8200.