Shirley Kuhn

Shirley Kuhn (Rogers)

January 23, 1937 – June 22, 2025

Shirley Kuhn, age 88, of Brainerd, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2025 , surrounded by the love of her family.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025 at 11 AM at Halvorson Taylor Funeral Home in Brainerd, MN. A visitation will take place one hour prior to services. Interment will follow at a later date at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls, MN.

Shirley was born on January 23, 1937, in Brainerd, MN, to William and Emma (Hoff) Rogers. From an early age, she developed a strong work ethic, taking on a paper route for the Brainerd Downtown Businesses at just 12 years old. After graduating from Brainerd High School, Shirley continued to seek opportunities for growth and success. When the Brainerd Vocational School launched its first-ever accounting program, she enrolled without hesitation. Balancing work, raising her family, and attending classes, she proudly earned her accounting license and worked in the Brainerd area for many years.

On New Year’s Eve in 1966, Shirley met the love of her life, Norman Kuhn. They were married on May 13, 1967. Norman lovingly embraced Shirley’s children as his own, and together they built a life full of love, dedication, and strength. Norman had a special nickname for Shirley. He affectionately called her his ‘little cookie’.

A Gold Star Mother and active member of the Women’s Auxiliary, Shirley devoted herself to her community. Since childhood, Shirley was an active member of the Degree of Honor and hosted regular meetings at her home. She volunteered at the Brainerd Senior Center, making delicious donuts, every Thursday for over 27 years and was known for her kindness, dependability, and generosity. In 1954, she traveled to the State Basketball Tournament, where she played the flute with the marching band.

Shirley enjoyed playing softball and attending every event she could for her children and grandchildren. She loved bowling and received her 20 year pin at National Bowling Tournaments. She played the game until she was 87 years old! In retirement, she and Norman traveled often—especially to Nevada—and never missed a chance to dance together, whether at local clubs or right in their living room.

Shirley is survived by her devoted husband, Norman; children Laurie Kuhn Anderson, Vivian (Raymond) Bexell, and Patti Kuhn; grandchildren William and Kristopher Eberly, Jennifer Bexell, Amanda, Tiffany, Lucas, and Samantha Holmquist, Jacob Kuhn, and Terrence Kuhn; 26 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews Shireen, Joy, Kristi, Bonnie, Susan, Angela, and Robert Charles.

She is preceded in death by her parents; sons Donald, Gregory, and Steven Kuhn; grandson Joseph Bexell; siblings Lois, Wesley, Marlys, Clifford, Robert, Donald (Patricia), and Beverly Rogers; niece and nephew Pam and Mark Harris; and her best friend, Nancy Diehl.

Shirley will be remembered for her strength, compassion, and unwavering love for her family and community. Her legacy will live on in the lives of all who knew her.

Arrangements are entrusted to Halvorson Taylor Funeral Home, Brainerd.