Kevin "Kuz" R. Kuester

Kevin “Kuz” R. Kuester, 62, Genoa, WI passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack in La Crosse on January 21, 2024.  Kevin was born to Roger Kuester and Geraldine Luebben in Kenosha on April 28.  In 1965, the family moved to Chaseburg and Kevin attended various schools including Chaseburg, Holmen, Westby, Viroqua, Knoxville, and Detroit. On December 29, 1982 with a few friends in attendance, Kevin secretly married his “pretty lady” Jo Ann Stegen of Stoddard.  The two were also married in front of their families and friends on July 23, 1983 at St Pius X Catholic Church.

Kevin served in the Navy from 1982-1986 where he acquired the nickname “Kuz”.  The couple spent over four years in California enjoying the concerts, sunshine, mountains and the Mohave desert. In November 1987, Kevin and Jo Ann moved back home to WI and settled in Chaseburg before settling in the Genoa area in 1994.  Kevin had numerous positions over the years including a lumber sorter/grader, truss builder, bartender and tile setter.  At the time of his death, he had just started working his shift at Ace Hardware Distribution Center where he worked in the warehouse.

Kuz and Jo Ann liked to go auctioning acquiring lots of good stuff/junk. They enjoyed camping events at Esofea and Goose Island, the solstice parties and sweats with the friends-Kora, Jerilyn, Julian, Jennifer, Pink, Doug, Jenny, Mike, Krista, Dana, Dick, Bruce, Karla and all of the kids.

Kuz loved seeing the river view every day.  He enjoyed pontoon rides with Deb and Jeff and those fun rides to Lawrence Lake on Chip’s party barge drinking and singing with his friends. Kuz liked to have fun, celebrate birthdays with Dennis, play pool, tell jokes and go road tripping usually with no particular destination in mind. He loved to drive sports cars-Miata, Mustang, Challenger and the Camaro.  Convertibles were his favorites.  He enjoyed riding his Harleys especially, the trike which he always said that he was not old enough for one until he rode his cousin Terri’s Flying Ace and he was hooked.  He loved to listen to live music, go to Ashley for the Arts and dance (referred to as stomping or shuffling as he called it). His motto was the louder the better.

Kevin is survived by his wife Jo Ann of 41 years; his loving father Roger; mother Geraldine; brothers Brian (Sondi); Dustin (Katrina) Kuester; sisters Sara Skau (Scott Bjerkos) and Kim Bickl; brother-in-law Rick (Paula Leum) and sister-in-law Deb (Jeff) Howe; special moms, Diane Stenslien and Barb Kuester; Aunts-Kay, Linda, Jeanie and Sandy, Uncles-Dennis, Ses and Dale, nephews and nieces, many cousins, special cousins Terri (Curt) Crandall and Amy Gerrits; riding buddies-Doug and Jen Dwyer and Henry and Jenny Reuter and others, and so many friends from the Thirsty Turtle and Kings Korner.

He was preceded in death by his son, Shayne Martell; brother, Craig DeFlorian; in-laws La Verne & Darlene Stegen; brother-in-law Ron Stegen; grandparents, Lester & Edna Kuester; and Marty & Alma Luebben; niece, Tiffany Rundhaugen; good buddies Pat Schackley and Kevin Knight (aka Pink).

Thank you to the coworkers at ACE Hardware and the EMT services for being with Kevin during his final moments and assisting the family.  Thank you to the emergency team at Gundersen Medical Center for their care and compassion.

It is hard to say goodbye to someone who was so full of life and loved by so many people.  To everyone who knew him, thank you for being a part of his life. Kuz was one of a kind with his deep voice, black hat and long beard, which no one could not touch or cut.  We will miss you.  Until we meet again my friend and share a shot of Jamison and a cold beer or two.   As Kuz would say Who Loves You Baby!  We all do!

Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 28, 2024 at the Stoddard American Legion followed by military honors at 2:00 p.m.  Seland Funeral Home and Cremation Services are assisting the family with arrangements.