Gilbert “Gib” A. Kuhnau

Gilbert “Gib” A. Kuhnau, age 82, of Alexandria, formerly of Farwell, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, October 17, 2023 at Bethany on the Lake in Alexandria.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Rev. Matthew Lorenz officiating.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Friday, October 20, 2023, at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Gilbert Allen was born on April 8, 1941, as the sixth child of Wilhelm and Cleo (Atz) Kuhnau, near Triumph (now Trimont), Minnesota. He grew up in southern Minnesota, including a move to Wadena, and finally the family settled on a farm near Farwell permanently.  Gib graduated from Jefferson High School in Alexandria in 1959.  Upon graduation, he served in the National Guard and was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, MO.  Gib met the love of his life on a blind date, and on September 3, 1966, he married Karen Lou Johnson.  Together, they lived and farmed for 55 years near Farwell, just 4 miles from his “home” place. Farming was one of Gib’s favorite pastimes, along with fishing, spending time with his siblings and their families, raising his two adopted daughters, and taking family trips for “August Family Week” at Lutheran Island Camp.  Though Gib had a large extended family, he considered his camp friends to be family as well.  Later in life, Gib took joy and pride in watching his grandchildren grow up and attending their activities, usually while wearing his signature striped bib overalls.  Gib was always thankful for God’s provision, no matter how big or small, and never wavered in his faith that God would always take care of him and his family.  Gib’s last two years were spent in the care of Bethany at the Lake nursing home.  It was here that Gib was blessed with a mission to live out his faith one final time.  His smile was infectious; those around him were blessed by his kindness, jokes, teasing, and careful concern for others’ needs.  After Karen's passing in 2022, and throughout the subsequent days and months of grief, Gib remained a shining light of cheer to the visitors, residents, and staff at Bethany.

Gib was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife, Karen; brothers, Glen Kuhnau, Don Kuhnau, Bill Kuhnau, Darrell Kuhnau, and Roger Kuhnau; sister, Carol Kuhnau; brothers-in-law, Robert Rydberg, Elmer Koerner, Harold Johnson, and Donald Johnson; sisters-in-law, Patty Kuhnau, Allyn Kuhnau, Evelyn Koerner, Bertha Johnson, and Char Johnson; nephew, Brent Kuhnau; great-nephew, Ryan Rydberg; and nieces, Tamara Kuhnau, Sheri Major, and Wendy Kuhnau. 

Gib is survived by his two wonderful daughters, Connie (Mike) Nelson and Brenda (Scott) Shane; grandchildren, Rachel (Colin) Kelley, Jacob Shane, Bennett (Emma) Shane, Sarah (Elijah Zuehlke) Shane, Payton Bleess, and Zoey Bleess; brothers, Bob (Mary) Kuhnau, Earl Kuhnau, Vic Kuhnau, Doug (Birdie) Kuhnau, and Paul Kuhnau; sisters, Dee Rydberg, Myrt Schmidt, Judi Kuhnau, Kathi (Angus) Causley, and Barb Chan; brothers-in-law, Robert Johnson and Lowell (Joyce) Raatz; sisters-in-law, Lois Johnson and Erna Johnson; and many nieces and nephews. 

Serving as urn bearers will be Jacob Shane, Bennett Shane, Colin Kelly, Elijah Zuehlke

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Lutheran Island Camp.