Edward John Kuhn died peacefully at the Hospice House in Spokane, WA on November 9, 2015 at the age of 87. After a fall in his residence at Broadway Court Estates on November 4, 2015, he had an intracranial hemorrhage and never regained consciousness. Ed is survived by his sister, Virginia Kuhn Lagers, Sun City West, Arizona, and his four children; Karen Walters (Jerry), Linda Benoit (Greg), Steve Kuhn (Sue) and Tom Kuhn (Jill). He has five grand- children; Heidi Dorrance, Ryan and Rache' Harris, Tommy and Karen Kuhn. He also has three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by sister Betty Kuhn Kintschi, and his parents John Carl Kuhn and Alvina Schultz Kuhn. Edward was born on October 15, 1928 in Saskatchewan, Canada to John and Alvina Kuhn. As a young boy his family moved to Washington State and settled in Edwall, WA where he grew up on the family ranch and farm. He attended Edwall Elementary and graduated from Edwall High School in 1946. He married Lavone Olsen in 1951 and enlisted in the United States Air Force that same year. Ed and Lavone were stationed at Shreveport, LA for three years. Upon leaving the Air Force, Ed and Lavone settled in Edwall, WA where he pursued his dream of farming and ranching in partnership with his father. Over that period of time he and Lavone welcomed four children into their home. After five years, he was able to farm more acreage in Sprague, WA and moved there in 1963. Ed and Lavone set about teaching their children to work hard, love others and worship the Lord. In 1968, Ed and Lavone moved the family to Cheney, WA as they again acquired more land to farm. All four kids worked on the farm for many years as it was a means of working their way through college. Ed also had a passion for summers at Lake Coeur d' Alene and endless patience as he drove the boat for hours on end so his children could learn to waterski. During these years, Ed became extremely involved in the Spokane Soil and Water Conservation District, serving on the district board of directors for many years. His efforts with the Conservation District helped local farmers implement more effective farming techniques. These techniques included ways to curb erosion by using contour strip farming, crop rotation and grassed waterways. These practices led to improved soil management and increased crop productivity. Edward was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Sprague, WA and Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Cheney, WA. In Edward's retirement years, his much loved activity was dancing. Many times he would go dancing three times a week at local clubs and he became quite accomplished. Besides farming, it was his favorite subject to talk about. The family would like to thank the staff in the ICU at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane, WA, Dr. Cynthia Hahn MD, along with the caregivers at Hospice of Spokane for their exceptional and compassionate care of Edward and his family during his time with them. A private family burial will be held Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at Sassien Cemetery in Edwall, WA at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Edward's name for the planting of trees to Spokane Conservation District, 210 N. Havana, Spokane, WA. 99202.

Published in Spokesman-Review on Nov. 21, 2015