Daryl Kuehnast

Daryl Kuehnast, age 88, passed away peacefully January 12, 2025, in Pontiac, Michigan.

Daryl was born on December 23, 1936, in Norway Township, Iowa, to Louis and Ella Kuehnast.  The youngest of five children, he grew up in rural Iowa playing baseball and helping his father on the farm.

After high school and a brief stint on the railroad, Daryl joined the United States Air Force and became a communications specialist at the Toul-Rosières Air Base in Toul, France.  He became a starting pitcher for the Toul Tigers, his base’s local ball team. The Tigers travelled around Europe competing against teams from other air bases and the experience created many fond memories that Daryl loved to recount to all who were interested.

When Daryl returned to civilian life, he settled in Minnesota where he started working for Western Airlines.  While at work, he met and fell in love with Betty Brodt, and they married in 1967.  Two sons, Wade and Eric, soon followed.  The family eventually settled down in rural Minnesota where Daryl could spend his weekends teaching his sons about baseball and caring for his yard and garden (he was a farmer at heart).

Daryl and Betty would retire to warmer climates (Daryl tired of working outdoors during Minnesota winters).  Daryl’s time in the Air Force sparked a love for travel, and Daryl and Betty would take long trips up from Florida to visit their grandkids in Michigan.  They would never take the same route twice, always looking for interesting towns and sites to visit along the way.

Daryl is survived by his two sons, Wade (Joanne) and Eric; grandchildren Millie, Anna, Benjamin and Samuel; and sister Lavonne.  He was predeceased by his parents, Louis and Ella Kuehnast.

Daryl was laid to rest at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.

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