Ernest E. Kuess, age 82 of Coldwater, died October 30, 2013 at his home. He was born April 23, 1931 in Chickasaw to the late Roman & Justine (Evers) Kuess. On May 11, 1957 he married Gladys (Muhlenkamp) in St. Anthony, Ohio and she survives in Coldwater. He is also survived by three children, Linda (Ken) Borgerding of Coldwater, Brenda (Jeff) Bernhold of Tipp City and Kevin (Brenda) Kuess of Coldwater, nine grandchildren Jordan and Karla Borgerding, Bryan, Holly and Brad Bernhold and Jamie, Dustin, Riley and Spencer Kuess. A brother Elmer Kuess of Celina, sisters Dolores Muhlenkamp of Portland, IN and Irene (Paul) Heckman of Delhart, TX and in laws, Esther Kuess of Chickasaw, Ed Prenger of Coldwater, Virgil (Pat) Muhlenkamp of Coldwater, Doris (Bill) Simons of Warminster, PA, Lavern (Diane) Muhlenkamp of Clayton, Rita (Don) Kramer of New Bremen, Larry (Janice) Muhlenkamp of St. Anthony, Leroy (Sue) Muhlenkamp of Coldwater, Peg Muhlenkamp of Coldwater, and Terry (Bonnie) Muhlenkamp of St. Anthony. He is preceded in death by sisters Mildred Prenger and Dorothy Tuente, a brother Lavern Kuess and in laws, Clarence Tuente, Alvin Muhlenkamp, Irma Kuess and Ed Muhlenkamp. Ernie graduated from Minster High School in May of 1949. He worked for Willhoff Hardware & Furniture in Coldwater before being drafted into the Army in 1952, he served in the 5th Regimental Combat Team in the Punchbowl Area Combat Zone of Korea. After leaving the Army Ernie worked for Bart Desch retail furniture store for 19 months. In November of 1955 he went to work for Mersman's in Celina for 10 years. In May of 1965 he started as an agent and manager of Universal Guarantee Life until 2001. He also clerked for Coldwater Auction Service for 45 years. Ernie was a life member of the Coldwater V.F.W., Coldwater American Legion, Knights of St. John, Maria Stein and Coldwater Knights of Columbus. He was past commander of the Coldwater V.F.W. and belonged to the Color Guard since 1967. He was a charter member of the Coldwater Kiwanis and ran the K-Burger stand for 31 years, a member of the Coldwater Eagles, Mercer County Cattlemen's Association, New Idea preservation group, the Mercer County Young Farmers and past board member for the Mercer County Senior Citizens. He also belonged to Holy Trinity Catholic Church where he was a mass server , a usher, and a member of the men's Holy Name Society. In 2004 he received the volunteer of the year award from the Coldwater Chamber of Commerce. In 2005 he received an honorary lifetime membership in the young farmers for his service as clerk for 30 years. In 2008 he was invited by the South Korean Government for a 14 day visit to the country to thank combat veterans for their service there. Ernie's passion in life was collecting antiques, going to auctions and talking and socializing with everyone he could. He was proud of his service to his country, proud of his family and proud of the community he lived in. He will be greatly missed by his family, his friends and the Coldwater Community. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, November 4, 2013 at Holy Trinity Church with Fr. Rick Walling, officiating. Burial with military rites will follow in St. Elizabeth Cemetery. Friends may call on Sunday from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM and on Monday from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater. Condolences may be left at hogenkampfh.com.
