Roger D. Kuhl

Roger D. Kuhl passed away at his home in West Des Moines on April 7, 2026 at the age of 81.

Roger was born on July 3, 1944, at Wyatt Hospital in Manning, IA. He grew up on the Kuhl family farm in Manilla, IA, in Crawford County. Roger graduated from Manning High School where he excelled as a linebacker on the football team and made many friends for life. To his friends, he was known as “Big Fella”.

After graduation, he joined the Army and was based at Fort Leonard Wood in southern Missouri, where he was an expert rifleman. During R&R, he enjoyed spending time in the Ozarks. After being honorably discharged in 1967 as an SP 4 (Specialist), Roger worked as an electrician, first back home in Manning, then in Dallas Center. At this time, he met his wife, Patricia Shaffer, whom he wed in 1970 and raised two children together. Roger eventually joined a partnership in Des Moines Lighting (DML Electric) where he was an electrical contractor and owner, working on large projects and serving many in the Des Moines area. He was most proud of his Camp Dodge STARC Armory project, work at the Des Moines Airport, and at Mercy Hospital. He retired in 2007. Roger enjoyed spending time golfing, landscaping, woodworking, fishing, watching westerns, and cheering on the Hawkeyes.

Roger is survived by his wife of 55 years, Patricia, his children Nicole O’Donnell (Michael) and Tyson Kuhl (Teresa), his sister, Judy Kuhl, brother, Gary Kuhl (Kathy), two grandchildren, Jackson O’Donnell and Trey Kuhl, and many nieces and nephews. Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Kuhl and Leola Kuhl (Thiedeman).

The family welcomes those who knew Roger to attend a visitation on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Sunset Memorial Chapel, 7601 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA  from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. A private burial will take place at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter at a later date. 

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