Von Kuehn, of Anacortes, passed from this world on Wednesday, March 2, surrounded by family in the warmth of his own home. Von will be remembered most of all for his "Art of a Good Conversation" and his kindness, as he always had a keen interest in those around him. He was ready to really listen to you, and he wasn't in a hurry, whether attending to you in the dental chair, meeting in the grocery aisle, the back alley, a Gere-a-Deli coffee table, riding his bicycle around March Point, rowing with his crew of the lovely OARSS boats, seated around the Rotary Club lunch table, or in the midst of a chaotic family reunion. Von was well-read on numerous topics and was always ready for an in-depth discussion. In his last years he particularly enjoyed sitting in "The Nest" (his front window swivel chair) with his coffee, newspaper and iPad close at hand, as he observed life passing on L Avenue, watched birds in the front bushes, snuggled with a granddaughter, or enjoyed the many visitors who stopped in.   

   Von was born in Nampa, Idaho, the oldest child of Fern Roe Kuehn and Karl Edward Kuehn. He was later joined by his brother Lynn and his sister Suzi. The family moved from Nampa to Clarkston, Washington, where Von enjoyed growing up on the banks of the Snake River. He graduated from Clarkston High in 1958. Von considered himself to have been a "slow starter" academically, as he was too busy enjoying life to excel in school. He spent a year after high school working in a gas station, then joined the US Army in 1959, training as an operating room specialist. This sparked a life-long interest in all things medical and landed him at Madigan Hospital in Tacoma. His beloved daughter Toni arrived during those Army years, and he continued on to earn his BA in Science Education at Pacific Lutheran University, which he considered a wonderful opportunity for an excellent education.   

   Von next worked at the Boeing Company in Seattle for 2 years, then entered the UW School of Dentistry, graduating in 1972. It was during this time that he met Betty, the love of his life, and they married in 1970. Upon graduation they chose Anacortes as their future home and place to establish his 26-year dental career, and to raise their family. Son Aaron and daughter Evy soon arrived and a busy life of children's events, construction projects, camping trips, and travel rounded out a full, happy life. Von was well-known in the dental community for his skills, high standards, attention to detail and his endless patience with those who were fearful or hesitant. Choosing an early retirement at age 58, Von and his wife Betty, worked as Rotary dental volunteers in Guatemala for a month each year. They traveled in Europe by bicycle various times, as well as other trips to Africa, Alaska, Mexico, the Galapagos Islands, also enjoying trips in their Roadtrek RV to Betty's massive family reunions in Iowa, as well as camping and "birding" in the Northwest. A chance meeting with a French couple they met while bicycling in the Skagit Valley resulted in an invitation for them to spend the night, followed by numerous trips to reunite on both sides of the world for the next 25 years.   

   Von is survived by his wife Betty of Anacortes, daughter Toni Carr of Sedro Woolley, son Aaron Kuehn (Stephanie) of Huntington Beach, CA, daughter Evy Kuehn (Buddy) of Anacortes,       4 grandchildren, 4 great- grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, his brother Lynn Kuehn (Cherl) of Spokane, sister Suzi Fox (Bert) of Wells, NV, numerous brothers-and-sisters-in law, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and friends, all of whom were his favorites. He will be greatly missed.   

   A Celebration of Life will be held for Von on Sunday, March 13th , 2 pm, at the Anacortes Depot Arts & Community Center, 611 R Ave., Anacortes.   

For those of you who wish to make a donation in honor of Von please see suggestions appended, or choose a charity for which you have a particular regard.

Anacortes Rotary Centennial Project (mail in the donation)
P.O. Box 94
Anacortes, WA 98221

 Friends of the ACFL  (this is the Friends of the Forest group)

 Hospice of the Northwest Foundation 

   To share memories of Von, please sign the online guestbook and bookmark this link for return visits: www.evanschapel.com/obituary/von-kuehn