John Francis Kuhn

John Francis Kuhn passed away peacefully in Emporia, Kansas, on March 3, 2026, at the age of 96.

John lived fully, cherished his deep faith, and never once passed up an opportunity to serve. Born July 9, 1929, on the family farm near Ellis, Kansas, he was the 15th of 17 children — a position that required resilience, negotiation skills, and the ability to eat quickly.

He carried throughout his life a deep love and abiding attachment to his parents and siblings, bonds forged through shared work and close quarters. He is survived by his beloved sister, Agnes Zwenger of Hays, Kansas.

Growing up during the Great Depression shaped John in lasting ways. He never forgot what it meant to have neighbors show up when you needed them. At an early age, and forged by those experiences, John showed up early and often for others. During his years in the grocery business, he quietly set aside dented food cans and nearly expired items and delivered them to families in need — simple acts of care that reflected a lifetime commitment to helping others. These early habits of service fueled both his legendary work ethic and his lifelong devotion to volunteerism.

John built his professional life in the grocery business, spending many years with Dillons and IGA. In 1969, never one to sit still, he moved to Emporia and purchased a Burger Chef franchise. When burgers and fries had had their day, he pivoted again, opening a bicycle shop and electronics store. If it had wheels or wires, John could sell it. He officially retired in 2002, though “retired” mostly meant he stopped drawing a paycheck.

In 1948, he met Carolyn Lee Clevenger, and they were married in 1951 in Great Bend, Kansas. Together, they raised four children and built a partnership that was as steady as it was spirited. John and Carolyn were a familiar sight at local, state, and national volunteer events and on the campaign trail — knocking on doors, making calls, and encouraging civic engagement long before social media made it fashionable. They believed deeply in showing up — for their family, their candidates, their neighbors, and their community.

John had a fondness for Volkswagen Beetles, which he drove with pride and perhaps a touch of defiance. He poured his energy into service organizations, especially the Newman Regional Hospital Auxiliary. With Carolyn’s support, he made history as the first male president of the Kansas state hospital auxiliary. He also served as president of Kiwanis clubs in Great Bend and Hutchinson; as board chair of the Kansas Christian Home in Newton; and as a trustee for Newman Regional Health, First Christian Church, and the United Way. He was also an active member of the Emporia State University Hornet Club.

When John spoke about volunteerism, people listened. He shared moving stories of how acts of service and faith during the Depression changed lives — including his own — and he had a gift for reminding others that helping people often brings unexpected rewards. During one trip to Washington, D.C., he even encouraged news commentator Ted Koppel to consider volunteering at his local hospital auxiliary.

John was preceded in death by his daughter, Kerryn Brooks (Kuhn) Simpson, in 2007, and by Carolyn, his beloved wife of 67 years, who passed in 2018. He is survived by his three sons: Herb (Becky) of Jefferson City, Missouri; Bruce (Terri) of Lenexa, Kansas; and Andy (Cindy) of Emporia, Kansas; four grandchildren — Erin, Cody, Nick, and RJ — and two great-grandchildren, Oscar and Ira.

John had a gift for connecting with people. His friendships spanned all walks of life, and he stayed in touch with many over the years. He was known for his stories, his steady encouragement, and his ability to bring people together—often over a slice of his famous carrot cake and homemade ice cream. If he had one lingering wish, it might have been to visit Ireland. A well-worn book about the Emerald Isle sat on his coffee table, a place he visited often in spirit.

John Kuhn believed in family, in hard work, in service, and in the power of showing up. If there’s a volunteer sign-up sheet in heaven, it’s safe to say he’s already at the top of it.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 19 in the Blue Key Room in the Emporia State University Memorial Union. John’s family requests that memorials be made to the Newman Regional Hospital Auxiliary or the Emporia State University Foundation, in care of the John & Carolyn Kuhn Family Scholarship for Early Childhood Education.