Sandra Kuehn

Sandra Kuehn, 74, of Viroqua, died Friday October 24, 2014. Sandra S. Kuehn, 74, of Viroqua passed away peacefully October 24, 2014, surrounded by her husband and children. Sandi was born Dec. 7, 1939, in Davenport, Iowa, to Guy Milton Quick and Elsye Mae (Dick) Quick. She graduated from Davenport High School in 1958. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls in 1962 and a Masters of Music degree from Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester (NY) in 1965. She met her husband, Jim Kuehn, shortly after she was hired as a music teacher at Viroqua Area Schools in 1962. They were married August 14, 1965, at Saint Marys Catholic Church in Viroqua, and recently celebrated their 49th anniversary. Sandis passion for music and the fine arts has had a lasting impact on the community of Viroqua. While initially hired as a vocal teacher, she was soon asked to start an orchestra program at the junior and senior high school levels. The program evolved to include a Strolling Strings ensemble where musicians would entertain audiences while "strolling" among them. In addition to performing throughout the community for local organizations, her ensembles participated in three national workshops and one year traveled to Europe as a part of a statewide group. During her teaching career, Sandi also coached the Viroqua High School Girls Golf Team for more than a decade taking several teams and individuals to the WIAA State Golf Tournament. She herself was an accomplished golfer, winning several tournaments in Viroqua and the surrounding area. Sandi was an active member at Saint Marys. She directed the choir from 1965 until a few years ago, and served as the coordinator for weddings and funerals for several years. She founded the Saint Marys Travel Club and planned a variety of day trips for parishioners. She also was a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration prayer group in LaCrosse. During her free time, Sandi enjoyed national and international travel. Some of her favorite trips included two pilgrimages one to Italy and one to Spain and Portugal; and visits with family living in Italy and Germany. She also loved attending concerts and musicals, and spending time with her family. Those who knew Sandi remember her for her kindness and compassion for others, her ability to look at the bright side of any situation, and her willingness to laugh at herself. Sandi was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Duane Quick; her sisters and their spouses, Audrey and Hobart Russell, and Betty and DeRell Johnston; and dear friends Norene Smith and Jean Foss. She is survived by her husband, Jim; their daughters Mary (Kevin) Tally, Susan (Jeff) Knutson, and Jennifer (Eric) Zare; and their son Jimmy (Jessy) Kuehn; eleven grandchildren: Aubree, Easton, and Sophie Tally; Andrew, Colin, Jonathan, and Christopher Knutson; Aisley, Morgan, and Colleen Zare; and Augustin James Kuehn; two sisters-in-law Ann Mary Kuehn and Gretchen Bohnert; and many dear friends. Visitation will be held Monday, October 27, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Vosseteig Funeral Home, 123 W. Decker Street, Viroqua. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, October 28, at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Marys, 400 Congress Avenue, followed by burial at Viroqua Cemetery. A visitation will be held at the church prior to the mass beginning at 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Vernon Memorial Hospice, Saint Marys Catholic Church, or the charity of your choice are preferred. Online condolences may be offered at www.vossfh.com. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.