Dr. Vernon Kuhlmann

Vernon George Kuhlmann was born Aug. 7, 1927 to Adolph and Mabel (Wadel) Kuhlmann in Lester Prairie, MN. The family then moved to Hamburg, MN where Vernon grew up. He attended Hamburg Public School and Glencoe High School. While in high school, he played piano and accordion in the Hamburg Old Time Band. Vernon received his B.A., B.S. and M.D. degrees from the University of Minnesota. During medical school, he served as treasurer of Phi Chi fraternity, which paid for his board and room. He interned at Minneapolis General Hospital and had a residency at Abbott Hospital. While at Minneapolis General, he met Judith Suther, whom he married in 1956. They had four children together. He was drafted into the Navy in 1956, and served three years at Jacksonville Naval Hospital. In 1959, Vernon came to Alexandria, MN. He wanted a practice where he could serve the whole family. He found it here in Alexandria. He not only found the practice he enjoyed, but colleagues with whom he loved to work. He retired from the Alexandria Clinic in December 1992. He also wanted someplace where he could hunt and fish, and still be home at night. Alexandria was a perfect fit in that regard as well. Vernon was active in the Minnesota Academy of Family Practice, and served as a delegate and chairman of their Board of Directors. He was also a delegate to the Minnesota Medical Association. Vernon was Douglas County Health Officer, serving voluntarily, for many years. He was also instrumental in starting the Hospice Program. Vernon was on the Board of Directors of 1st Bank, now US Bank. He was also active at First Congregational United Church of Christ. He served on the deacons and trustee boards, and for over forty years, he sang in the church choir. He loved music. He was a member and President of the Vikingland Barbershop Chorus, and later became a member of the Resorters Quartet. He took part in numerous AAAA productions. He played the piano and the accordion for a number of events in the community. When he retired, he joined the Golden Ks and enjoyed the fellowship, community information, and the friendships he formed there. Vern enjoyed gardening, fishing, making wine and having coffee with his friends. Mostly, he loved his family. Whether it was his children or his grandchildren, he loved having them come home. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Wayne. He is survived by his wife, Judith; his children, Marie (Chris) Hillemeier, of Olivia MN, George (Mary) of Deerwood, MN, Eileen of Rosemont, MN, and Steven (Jeannine) of Highland Park, IL; .and his grandchildren, Steven, Philip, David, and Elizabeth of Deerwood, MN and Alayna, Mason, and Reece of Highland Park, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to First Congregational United Church of Christ, Hospice of Douglas County or Douglas County Hospital.