Joyce E Kuehl

Joyce Elaine Kuehl, 78, of Moline, IL, died peacefully on Saturday, September 2, 2017, in her home surrounded by family and her beloved dog.

Funeral Services will be held at 3 p.m. with a visitation from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, September 9, 2017, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., 6601 38th Avenue, Moline. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services and private burial of cremains will take place at a later date.  Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or to your local animal shelter.

Joyce was born March 19, 1939, in Moline, IL, to Joseph and Emma Carlin Findlay.  Five years later, she was joined by her little sissy, Judy.  Their bond started that day and grew stronger for over 7 decades.  The love they shared as sisters was the foundation for the small but mighty family that was by Joyce’s side throughout a rough battle with cancer.

After being crowned the princess of Browning Field Park and making it big as a Can-Can dancer at John Deere Jr. High, Joyce graduated in 1956 from Moline High School.  She went on to have a successful and enjoyable career in Human Resources with Deere and Company, retiring in 1992.

She married Harry “Bud” Kuehl on August 29, 1975, in Rock Island, IL.  After ditching Bud on their first (blind) date, there was no doubt these two were meant for each other.  Joyce and Bud enjoyed life together to the fullest until his death in 2003.  They enjoyed camping, fishing, and traveling, which included their cherished annual trip to Balsam Lake, WI.  They also loved making their house a home in the wonderful neighborhood of Glenwood Drive.

Joyce was an avid reader, cross-stitcher, cubs fan, fabulous cook, possessed the greenest of thumbs, and was a strong role model for so many friends and family members.  She would lend a helping hand, but not enable; tell it like it was, yet not offend; give advice without expecting it to be followed; her intellect and wit guaranteed an entertaining conversation.

Survivors include her children, Jodi (Mike) Helms, Moline, Kathy (Grant) Gordon, Rock Island, Mike (Margaret) Jamison, Stoughton, WI; grandchildren, Hannah, Maggie and Kate Helms, Staci and Jessica Godoy, Phil, Riley and Avery Jamison; sister, Judy Millard, Orion; niece, Julie Perez, Orion; nephew, Drew (Marta) Millard, Chicago; great grandchildren, Jeremiah Godoy and Charlie Fordonski; great niece and nephew, Izabella and Joseph Millard; beloved step-children and families, Dr. Kerry (Shanon) Kuehl, Shelli (Dr. Patrick) Sherlock, Tanra (David) Carr, Pastor Harry (Candace) Kuehl, very dear friend, Melissa Levi; and her best friend Ladybug. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and beloved niece, Jill Millard.

A special thank you to all the staff of Dr. Michael Porubcin’s office.  Also, to staff and providers that cared for her at UnityPoint Trinity, Rock Island campus and EMT staff.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.