David Kuglin 1937-2023
David Charles Kuglin, 85, of Holton, transitioned from this life to be with his Lord Jesus on Saturday, March 18, 2023.
He was born Aug. 18, 1937, in Holton, the son of Paul Herman and Elsie Mary (Dick) Kuglin.
Dave attended Holton schools throughout his life, and he graduated from Holton High School in 1955.
He was the Postmaster for Holton Post Office retiring in 1992, drove a bus for USD 336 for more than 30 years, became the consummate antique hunter and always found time to enjoy farming.
He married Verda June Bradley on May 30, 1959. They later divorced. He married Mary Alice Banks on May 19, 1979, and they would celebrate nearly 31 years of marriage before her passing on May 2, 2010. He is also preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Elsie Kuglin; and a brother, Elmer Paul Kuglin.
Dave was a proud member of Evangel Methodist Church in Holton, serving as head usher, and was a member of the local Rotary Club for many years.
Above all else on earth, our Dad was all about family. He was button-popping proud of his kids, grandkids and his great-grands. He missed very few school activities, sporting events or life milestones and in his silent way demanded we all show up at his house for Christmas and be present together as a family on major holidays.
Dad’s “extended family” included hundreds, if not thousands, of kids in Jackson County who knew him as Poppy from his bus driving days. He loved each and every one, including the handful of ornery ones who he said would remain nameless. Dad was proud of his German heritage, especially when it came to eating a good batch of his aunts’ sauerkraut and black bread. Dad loved to travel. Some of his favorite places were Germany, Alaska, Colorado, St. Louis and Niagara Falls. He will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his sweetheart, Virginia Farmer of Holton; two daughters, Ann Jones (Rick) of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Kay Smith (Jay) of Wetmore; two sons, Troy Kuglin (Jenny) of McLouth and John Quinton Jr. of Kansas City; six grandchildren, Danielle Alley, Nathan Babb, Jordan McManigal, Paul Kuglin, Katie Kuglin and Matthew Kuglin; six great-grandchildren, Cameron, Cooper, Conner, Jaxson, Kyrah and Eliza; and a nephew, Ron Kuglin.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 24 at Evangel Church in Holton. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. The family has requested KU or St. Louis Cardinal attire be worn. Dave will lie in state Wednesday from noon until 6 p.m. and Thursday from 8 a.m. until visitation time. Private family burial will be held in Holton Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Wings of Hope Cancer Support Center or Holton Community Hospital Hospice, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
