Donald Leroy Kuehl

A funeral service will be held at the Chapel of the Oaks at Eternal Valley on February 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., followed by a graveside service with Military Honors at the Veterans' Wall in the Veteran’s Garden.

Don was born on February 20, 1925, in Long Beach, California, to Dewey and Nellie Kuehl. He grew up in the Los Angeles area, graduated from North Hollywood High School, and enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 18. A proud World War II veteran, he served in the 91st Division, 347th Field Artillery Battalion, as a radio operator in Northern Italy.

After returning from the war, Don married his high school sweetheart, Virginia Beal, in 1947. They shared 62 years of marriage until her passing in 2010. Don and Virginia loved to travel, taking memorable trips to England and Japan, and bringing their niece, Sherrie, along the California coast. They also shared a deep love of animals and welcomed many cherished pets over the years, including dogs, parakeets, and a cat.

Don spent most of his career in electronic repair and sales. A lifelong learner, he had a natural curiosity for science and technology. He especially enjoyed exploring quantum physics and the mysteries of the universe, and he regularly practiced Morse code throughout his life — a skill he first learned in the service.

One of Don’s greatest passions was being in the air. He learned to fly small planes with his brother‑in‑law, completed numerous skydiving jumps, and later in life enjoyed watching planes land through live airport camera feeds. A highlight of his 90s was taking a glider flight for his 98th birthday.

Don was known for his wonderful sense of humor, his zest for life, and his sharp mind. Even in the last two decades of his life, he remained active and engaged. He enjoyed visiting with other seniors in his building, attending a twice‑monthly coffee group for veterans, cheering on his favorite sports teams (Go Dodgers! Go Lakers!), revisiting his Morse code skills, practicing piano, learning ASL, and sending Marco Polo videos to friends and family.

Don also found comfort in his Christian faith and attended Real Life Church.

He is survived by his niece, Sherrie Hughes; his grandnieces, Krista Hughes and Tara Abbondanza; and his great‑grandniece, Ella Joy Abbondanza.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Don’s longtime caregiver and friend, Frank Leoni, and his daughter, Tammie Neri; his friend, Jami King; and his many Coffee4Vets friends and community for their companionship and support.