Victor Leonard Kuhn

Victor Leonard Kuhn was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. Victor always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Victor was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

Victor was born on August 1, 1921 at home in Winamac, Indiana. His parents were Martin and Theresa Kuhn. Victor was raised in Pulaski, Indiana. Always able to express himself well, Victor possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Victor was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

Blessed with a balanced attitude, Victor was able to relate well with others. Victor was the oldest of his 12 siblings Rita, Mary, Anna, Elizabeth, Norbert, Genevieve, Theresa, Joseph, Alberta, Virginia, Cecilia, and John. Victor had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual, Victor was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. His curious nature was spurred by his ability to maximize his personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

Friends and acquaintances found Victor an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Victor was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were.

On April 29, 1944 Victor exchanged wedding vows with Carol Anne Biller at Saint Ida's Catholic Church in Chicago, Illinois. Later in life Victor also exchanged wedding vows Henrietta Elizabeth Lester in Dunedin, Florida on January 25, 2006.

Very much like a kid himself, Victor identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common-sense skills. Victor was blessed with two children, Luanne and Victor Lyle and a step daughter Jean. He was also blessed with 8 grandchildren, Mark, John, Deborah, Victor Richard, Rebeccah, Elizabeth, Kristina, and Victor Jonathan and two step grandchildren Sonny and Tammi.

Victor was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Victor’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Victor could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was as a general building contractor and was self-employed for 30 years.

Victor was a Navy veteran. Victor was a cool thinker who could handle himself well in a crisis. He was a part of the United States Naval Communication Intelligence Organization. Victor served in WWII and the Korean War. He achieved the rank of Cryptologic Technician Third Class (CT3). He received several military awards. He showed leadership qualities and could make tough decisions when he was called upon to do so.

Victor enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were traveling, card playing, bowling, woodworking, rock hounding, coin collecting, jewelry making, and photography. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Victor was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity whether in person or on television. Tops on his list were baseball, basketball, and auto racing.

Victor was a gifted problem solver who worked hard to help accomplish group goals. This skill made him a wonderful asset to the various groups and organizations to which he belonged. Always matter of fact about what needed to be done, Victor worked steadily to meet any organization’s goals. Throughout the years, Victor was an active member of the Sertoma Club, Lions Club, VFW, American Legion, and American Builders Association.

Victor was a generous man who prized that same quality in others. So, it’s little wonder that he was so active and giving in his community. Politically, Victor was a strong supporter of the Republican Party a true patriot who always displayed a great love of his country.

Victor held close traditional values and as a result, faith was important to him. He was a member of Light of Christ Catholic Church.

Travel and vacations were experiences that Victor truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included family reunions and traveling the country in his motorhome.

Victor was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Victor loved his dogs Lady, Mona, Baron, Kerry, Fritz, and Hanz. Along with Sugar the horse, Nanny the goat, and Star the horse.

When Victor’s retirement finally came in 1985 he was able to easily adapt to possible changes and enjoyed just having fun and being relaxed. His retired life involved living in both Franklin, North Carolina and Pinellas County, Florida.

Victor passed away on May 5, 2021 at Mease Countryside Hospital in Safety Harbor, Florida. He is survived by his son Victor Lyle(Debra) Kuhn; step daughter Jean Bennett; his grandchildren, Mark Forrest, John(Laurie) Forrest, Deborah(Eric) Kaisner, Rebeccah(John) Shelton, Elizabeth(Navor) Alvarez, Kristina(Shawn) Berger and Victor Jonathan Kuhn; his step grandchildren Sonny(Robin) Bennett and Tammi Bennett; his great grandchildren Carrie(Mac) McCracken, Mark(Amanda) Forrest, Katherine(Justin) Luckette, Joshua(Jessica) Forrest, Ashton Forrest, Dustin(Shaina) Lestoric, Darrell Lestoric, Dylan Lestoric, Zane Shelton, Guadalupe Guerreo, Josue Olivares, Kaydence Berger, and Victor David Kuhn; great-great grandchildren Samuel, Allison, Alixis, Brian, Jacob, Josiah, Jackson, Noah, Alan, Kayli, Taylor, Samantha, and Jaiden, a great-great-great grandchild Alixander; his siblings Norbert Kuhn, Joseph(Carole) Kuhn, Alberta(James) Weiand, Virginia Cooke, Cecilia Cripe, and John(Karen) Kuhn, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Victor was predeceased by his parents Martin and Theresa Kuhn; his wives Carol Kuhn and Henrietta Kuhn; his daughter LuAnne Forrest Loftis; his grandson Victor Richard Kuhn; and siblings Rita Raderstorf, Mary Shellhart, Anna Hoover, Elizabeth Graves, Genevieve Scheffer, and Theresa Kuhn.

Services are to be held at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home.

Victor will be laid to rest at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park in Clearwater, Florida.

Victor was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide a seemingly endless supply stories about his life’s adventures. He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Victor Leonard Kuhn.

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Victor Leonard Kuhn, age 99, of Clearwater, Florida passed away on Wednesday, May 5, 2021. Victor was born August 1, 1921 in Winamac, Indiana.

He is survived by his son, Victor Lyle(Debra) Kuhn; step daughter Jean Bennett; his grandchildren, Mark Forrest, John(Laurie) Forrest, Deborah(Eric) Kaisner, Rebeccah(John) Shelton, Elizabeth(Navor) Alvarez, Kristina(Shawn) Berger and Victor Jonathan Kuhn; his step grandchildren Sonny(Robin) Bennett and Tammi Bennett; his great-grandchildren, Carrie(Mac) McCracken, Mark(Amanda) Forrest, Katherine(Justin) Luckette, Joshua(Jessica) Forrest, Ashton Forrest, Dustin(Shaina) Lestoric, Darrell Lestoric, Dylan Lestoric, Zane Shelton, Guadalupe Guerreo, Josue Olivares, Kaydence Berger and Victor David Kuhn; great-great grandchildren, Samuel, Allison, Alixis, Brian, Jacob, Josiah, Jackson, Noah, Alan, Kayli, Taylor, Samantha and Jaiden, a great-great-great grandchild Alixander; his siblings, Norbert Kuhn, Joseph(Carole) Kuhn, Alberta(James) Weiand, Virginia Cooke, Cecilia Cripe and John(Karen) Kuhn; and numerous nieces and nephews. Victor was predeceased by his parents, Martin and Theresa Kuhn; his wives, Carol Kuhn and Henrietta Kuhn; his daughter, LuAnne Forrest Loftis; his grandson, Victor Richard Kuhn; and siblings, Rita Raderstorf, Mary Shellhart, Anna Hoover, Elizabeth Graves, Genevieve Scheffer and Theresa Kuhn.

A celebration of life gathering for Victor will be held Monday, May 10, 2021 from 12:00 - 2:00 pm at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, 2853 Sunset Point Rd., Clearwater, FL 33759. A funeral service will occur Monday, May 10, 2021 from 2:00 - 3:00 pm, 2853 Sunset Point Rd., Clearwater, FL 33759. A committal service will occur Monday, May 10, 2021 from 3:00 - 3:15 pm at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park, 2860 Sunset Point Rd., Clearwater, FL 33759. A burial will occur at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park, 2860 Sunset Point Rd., Clearwater, FL 33759.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sylvanabbey.com for the Kuhn family.