Velma J. Kuhn

Velma J. Kuhn, 80, of Silvis, happily went to live with Jesus on Thursday, August 8, 2013.

Funeral services will be 9:00 a.m. Saturday, August 10, 2013 at Crosstown Baptist Church, 801-3rd Street, Silvis. Visitation is Friday from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd. 6601-38th Avenue, Moline. Burial is at Rock Island Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the church.

Velma, one of 18 children, was born November 24, 1932 to Leo and Verena Freeze. She married Roy "Shorty" Kuhn on September 21, 1949. She retired as Sergeant from East Moline Correctional Center in 1989. She also previously worked at the East Moline State Hospital, Buddy L and Fresh PAC. Her and "Shorty" also owned Roy's Welding and Trailor repair in Silvis. She was a member of Crosstown Baptist Church (formerly known as Silvis Heights Baptist). Velma enjoyed making ceramic dolls, fishing trips to Canada and visiting the Rocky Mountains.

In the 1960's she drove a stock car and won her first and only race, preferring to retire a winner. She was a loving mother and adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As her great niece said, I remember Aunt Velma as always having a huge smile on her face and loving on whichever youngster got within arms reach. Another niece says she met every challenge that life threw at her with an "I got this" attitude that made me feel like maybe I could meet some of my challenges too. That inspiration always came with a smile on her face.

Surviving are daughters Carol (Billie) Kahl, East Moline; Jeanna (Everett) LaRue, Sherrard; son Ron Kuhn, Illinois City; grandchildren Steve Massarolo, Brian Collings MS, Tony Massarolo, Bonnie Sellers, Eric Massarolo, Robert Dobbins CA, Mike Kuhn, Derrick Dobbins, David Kuhn, Terri Dobbmann AZ, Amy Mitchel; and17 great-grandchildren. Sisters June Pearson Geneseo, Lois Rehn Orion, Clara Proksch KS; Brothers, Leroy Freeze Colona, Bill Freeze KS, Richard Freeze MO, Leland Freeze MO, Delbert Freeze FL, Earl Freeze MO; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her daughter Joyce (Ralph) Dobbins; five sisters and three brothers.

Online condolences may be left for her family by visiting esterdahl.com.