Roy Joseph "Joe" Kuhlmann

Roy Joseph (Joe) Kuhlmann of Olpe, Kansas died on December 13,2023 at Homestead Assisted Living of Emporia.

Roy was born on September 19, 1937, in the Maydale Community, near Olpe, Kansas, the son of Paul and Regina Schafer Kuhlmann.  He married Marilyn Ann Burenheide on May 3, 1958, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Olpe.

Surviving family members include: sons, Bart Kuhlmann and wife Joan of Burlington, Mike Kuhlmann and wife Virginia of Matfield Green, and Craig Kuhlmann and wife Lisa of Burlington; daughters, Lisa Cole and husband Mike of Olpe, and Linda Davis and husband Bruce of Emporia; seventeen grandchildren, and twenty nine great-grandchildren; brother, Richard (Wilma) Kuhlmann of Emporia; sister, Dorothy Schmidt of Olpe; sisters-in-law, Betty Kuhlmann of Homer Glen, Illinois and Janet Burenheide of Hiawatha; brothers-in-law, Bob Burenheide of Topeka  and Jerry Redeker of Olpe.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn, parents, and brothers Sonny, Robert, and Arnold; sister Doris Redeker and daughter-in-law, Genese Kuhlmann.

Roy founded/operated Modern Air Conditioning in Emporia for nearly 40 years.  He was a long-time director of Olpe State Bank and Madison Rest Home, a member of Olpe Knights of Columbus, Lions Club and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Roy had a love of farming and all things John Deere. Restoring antique tractors brought him great joy along with his friendships and many farming-related activities with the Flint Hills Antique Tractor Club.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Olpe.  Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. The rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m., Monday at the church in Olpe.  Memorial contributions to the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus or Hand in Hand Hospice of Emporia can be sent in care of the funeral home.