TRAVERSE CITY -- Harold "Deane" Kuhn, 76, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009, at Bortz Health Care after a long illness.
Harold was born May 8, 1933, to the late Rev. Forest and Grace (Tomlinson) Kuhn in Detroit. After graduating from Buckley High School, Deane answered the call of duty and served his country in the United States Army. On Oct. 19, 1957, he married his wife of 53 years, the former Fayma A. Steed.
Deane worked at Traverse Motors as a very successful car salesman before opening Dean's Auto Sales (the first car lot on U.S. 31 South). He then expanded into motor home sales and founded TC RV. He was a 100% born-and-bred salesman in dress and also in actions. He loved selling motor homes and cars, and was always focused on making the next sale, before eventually retiring after several attempts.
Deane was a longtime member of West Bay Covenant Church, the Elks Club, and the Family Motor Coach Association. In his spare time he enjoyed traveling, camping and playing the organ. Deane also had an artistic flair and was a talented artist and painter. He loved his toy collection and took great pride in acquiring the fanciest motor home, jazziest car, or beautiful boat. It was not so much the toy, but the thrill of the hunt!
Deane loved to listen to music, especially Big Band and Jazz. He could often be found at Don's Drive-In, KFC, or Mode's for their famous prime rib. He loved his double Whoppers with cheese! Deane will be greatly missed by his friends at Big Boy. He spent many mornings eating breakfast there giving everyone a hard time. He also enjoyed watching movies at the cinema and playing slots in the casino with his wife Fayma.
Deane will be greatly missed by his family which gave him great joy. He was so proud of his children and all that they accomplished.
Deane is survived by his wife, Fayma; his daughters, Kathee (John) McCafferty of Traverse City, Debra (Dean) Clem of Okemos; son, Michael Kuhn of Traverse City; brother, Dennis (Patricia) Kuhn of Buckley; sister, Darylene (Ron) Eli of Ohio; daughter-in-law, Laura Kuhn of Marquette; and six grandchildren, Alexis, Jillian, Courtney, Caitlyn, Madison and Matthew.
A memorial service celebrating Deane's life will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at West Bay Covenant Church, with Pastor Dick Rabine and Pastor Kent Anderson officiating.
Memorial contributions in Deane's honor may be directed to West Bay Covenant Church.
The family would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the staff at Bortz Health Care, especially Wanda and Joe who, like the entire staff, cared for him as if he were one of their own family members.
Please share your memories of Deane with his family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com
The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City.
