Henry “Hank” Kuchynka, 92, of Miles City, passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at the Friendship Villa where he resided for four years.
Hank was born on March 16, 1925 in Waubun, MN to Joseph and Antonia Kuchynka. He was the 13th of 14 children. Hank attended school in Ebro, MN. Hank married Shirley Naekel, the love of his life, in Valley City, ND on October 10, 1944. Shirley was 16 and the judge told her to go home and grow up. They are still together after 73 ½ years. To this union six children were born.
Hank entered the US Army on October 25, 1944, serving under Company B 401st Engineer Combat Battalion. Upon his honorable discharge, he worked for the Valley City Rendering Co. Hank and Shirley moved to Miles City, MT in 1947 where Hank managed the Miles City rendering plant for 39 years, retiring in 1986. After retirement, Hank took great pride in his yards and had one of the greenest and most well-kept yard in Miles City. He also gardened with vegetables and flowers. Hank’s greatest passion was his family and he made all holidays special for his children and grandchildren. He loved it when his family got together for any occasion. Hank loved to be surrounded by his family; the more the merrier.
Hank was preceded in death by his eldest son Larry Kuchynka, parents, 9 sisters, 3 brothers, and son-in-laws Ron Kiosse and Merrill Pearcy Jr.
Hank is survived by the love of his life, his wife Shirley of Miles City, sons: Gary (Jeanne) Kuchynka of Montrose Co., and Rick Kuchynka of South Carolina, daughters: Sandra(Jim Cook) Pearcy, Kathy (Scott) Pering of Miles City, Cindy Kiosse of Terry, and daughter-in-law Rhea Kuchynka of Miles City, sister Aggie Barrick of Gaylord, MN, sister-in laws Doris Johnson of Valley City, ND, and Ruth Whitaker of Green Valley, AZ, brother-in-law Jim (Diane) Naekel of Woodland Hills, CA, 15 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, February 23, 2018 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will take place Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with burial at the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Miles City.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday February 23, 2018
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday February 24, 2018
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Saturday February 24, 2018
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday February 23, 2018
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday February 24, 2018
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Saturday February 24, 2018
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Martha Crandall says
Thinking of you. Shirley stay strong. My sympathy to the whole family.
Eugene and Connie says
Thinking of you all, offering our condolences and prayers. Connie and Gene
Betty Vail says
Sandy, Paula and families, My prayers are with you!
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
So sorry to hear of Henry’s passing. My sincerest sympathy to all the family.
Diane Welbes says
My Thoughts & prayers are with you & family.
Teal Dobie says
My thoughts and prayers are with Shirley and the entire family. I cared for Hank for many years. He will always hold a special place in my heart, he was one of “my guys”. I’ll truly miss his kindness and contagious smile. You would always hear someone singing, coming down the hall from breakfast, you didn’t have to look up to know it was Hank, the halls won’t be the same, it would always brighten my mornings. Rest Easy now Hank❤️
Deb Bartholomew says
Shirley, Sandy, Paula, Kathy, Cindy and Families:
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. God has gained an Angel and he will be watching over all of his family. I know how very close your family is. He always had a smile on his face and could visit with anyone. He truly loved all his family and friends. He will be truly missed! Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. Hank will always be a Treasure in your hearts and never forgotten. Treasure your memories as they will help get through difficult days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Eddie & Sandi Kuchynka says
Uncle Hank… There are no words? You taught me so much – from skinning an animal to how to get so sick on “the chew” that I never touched it again! I will miss you and our “special telephone greetings” to each other. Rest now, Uncle, until we meet again. I love you…Eddie.
The best of the best! I had no biological uncle that I loved as much as this wonderful man! So many precious memories with you, Uncle Hank..you always made me feel so special. I wonder if you will call me “Angie” when we meet again? . Rest peacefully….Sandi
Sandy Whitley says
Special prayers to the Kuchynka family on the loss of you loved one. We hold you in our hearts and in our prayers.
Joe and Sandy Whitley
Montrose
Laura Lee (Blankenship) Kalloch Beeler says
My thoughts and prayers to the entire family during this difficult time. Having lost my own father 20 years ago and my amazing husband 3 years now, I can well-understand the depth of your loss. I know that Hank will be sorely missed. My most sincere condolences.
Alice Petersohn and family says
So sorry to hear of Hank passing,he was a wonderful man and neighbor for as long as we can remember,God be with yous at this time.