Fred Carl Kuhlman was born on the family farm in Finlayson, Minnesota on April 19,1931 to Fred and Hanna (Bauman) Kuhlman. Fred passed away at United Hospital Wednesday, June 5th, 2024, with loved ones by his side.

Fred was named after his father but was always called Fritz by his family. He was the 7th child with 5 more to follow. Fritz loved having 7 brothers and oh the stories the Kuhlman brothers could tell about their growing up years! They loved to tease and pull pranks and spear fish in the creek by their home. Fritz attended school at the Wagner Township School. His first jobs were working on a farm in Pine City and hauling milk with his dad for a couple of years. Fritz then joined the Airforce for four years. During this time, he was sent overseas to Korea and proudly served his country. This experience stayed with him his entire life.

Fritz came home and met the love of his life, Elaine Mary Watrin at a dance at Pine Lake. They married on September 26, 1959. He started working at Swifts Meat Packing with his brother Bob in pork processing and Fritz in beef processing. Bob said that Fritz's boss often said, "When I give that guy a job, I know it will be done and done right." He sometimes brought samples of cooked beef from the test kitchen under his jacket to Bob and coworkers for a sample! He also worked some with his brothers Ed and Lloyd doing black topping. After 15 years, he went to Sewall Gears delivering parts and then as a shipping clerk until he retired.

They lived for 46 years in South St Paul and then built a beautiful retirement home in Hinckley, Minnesota. Fritz truly loved being back in a small town and knowing everyone! He loved sitting in front of his garage and visiting with all who stopped by. Fritz was the unofficial greeter at St Patrick's for Saturday night church for all the time he lived there.

In his later years he created many wooden lawn decorations he shared with many family members. Fritz was so good with all his nieces and nephews and now great nieces and nephews and at family gatherings he always held the babies.  He also would tease them, chase them around and treat them with many sweets! He was a very loving and thoughtful Uncle. When his nephew Bob lived in South St Paul, he remembers riding his bike to see Uncle Fritz. He always had a bottle of Mountain Dew for him and his friends and would visit with them. Fritz had a special little neighbor, Brian, who he loved like a son. John remembers all the support Fritz gave him during his deployment and after. Dan has many good memories of visits and good meals. Leanne remembers how Fritz came and helped build a fence in her yard when she was a newlywed. Amy remembers learning how to eat "good" hot dogs cold with Fritz and how he always told her how special she was. Fritz truly loved them all and tried to keep up with their lives. All his nieces and nephews and siblings and friends have many good memories and that is what Fritz would want you to hold on to.

Fritz was preceded in death by his devoted wife Elaine, parents, brothers Albert and Leonard ,sister Mary Pahkala and many brother and sister-in-laws.

Fritz is survived by his siblings Roy (Marlene), Josie Jebe, Rosie Munos, Louise Svaire, Bob (Janet), Eddie (Eleanore), Jerry, and Lloyd. His in-laws Rich and Jan, Dave and Alice, Marita, Steve and Kathy and Joe and Kathy Watrin. In addition, he is survived by his God children Scott, Anna Maria, Peter, Amy and John Watrin and many nephews and nieces and great nephews and nieces and his coffee friends.
Fritz had a deep faith and always knew he was going home to be with Jesus and be reunited with Elaine who he missed so much. He lived his life with a strong moral compass. Fritz wanted to thank each of you for all you have meant to him and done for him. He truly appreciated it. Fritz was especially blessed by Marita who watched over his medical needs, and all his family, his friends and neighbors for checking in on him, especially Paul and Maggie Hickle.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 11:00AM with Father Joseph Sirba officiating.  There will be a visitation at Tatting Methven Chapel on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 from 4:00PM-7:00PM and one hour prior to the service.  Military Honors will be provided by the Hinckley Honor Guard.  Burial at a later date at the Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery, Little Falls, Minnesota.

Arrangements by Methven Funeral and Cremation Services, Tatting Methven Chapel, Hinckley, Minnesota