Kay Jean Kuchel, 79, of Paw Paw, passed away Saturday, June 30, 2018, at OSF St. Paul Medical Center in Mendota. Kay was born July 6, 1938 in Davenport, Iowa, the daughter of Paul and Evelyn (Box) Kuchel.
Kay graduated from Cornell College and moved to Paw Paw to take a teaching position in 1959. She taught science and physical education at Paw Paw High School for 34 years. Kay also coached girls basketball, volleyball, and softball. Kay herself was an avid sports fan and participant. She played softball for many years with the Earlville Victorians, a traveling softball team that played all over the country. She loved to bowl at the old Gathering Place in Paw Paw. Kay was generous with her time and home. She was host mother to many foreign exchange students from all over the world. Kay was a member of the Red Hat Society and the Methodist Women. She could often be found helping at numerous church events, including the cantata and turkey supper. Kay herself was an excellent cook. Kay was a significant supporter of and contributor to the Paw Paw community and schools for almost 60 years. Her innumerable contributions to the people and community will not soon be forgotten.
Kay is survived by her sons, John (Jennifer) Kuchel of Dublin, OH; Kory (Ginnie Kingston) Kuchel of Mason City, IA, and Brian Kuchel of Kent, WA; two grandchildren, Kory Jr. and Aaliyah; and numerous friends.
In addition to her parents, Kay is preceded in death by her sister, Karen Hendrick.
A memorial service will at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, July 28, 2018 at the United Methodist Church of Paw Paw with Pastor Glenn Stewart officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday at the church from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service. Burial of cremated remains will follow the services in Wyoming Township Cemetery in Paw Paw. Please visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com to sign the online guest book.
I really appreciated Miss Kuchel and have a few of her sayings that I still use. The one I have repeated the most is in baseball/softball – “get a hit or get hit!” Wish I could be there Saturday for her memorial service to be a part of sharing the stories of how she impacted the lives of so many. Prayers to her family and all her students!
Kay was my host Mom while I was studying in Paw Paw high school. She was always very supportive and very helpful. She will definitively be missed. It is also because of Kay that both me and My brother are who we are today. My and my family dippest condolences to my host Brothers John, Kory, and Brian. Condolences to the rest of the a Family as well
I have known Kay for 64 years. We graduated from Davenport High SChool and Cornell College together. At Cornell we were two of the founding members of Kappa Delta Chi social group, and we lived in the same dorm. What a good friend she was! Her sense of humor is what I remember most, such as the KDChi reunion many years ago when I looked up to see Kay calmly sitting across the room wearing her freshman beanie. Many times her droll comments would have me in stitches. I know that Paw PAw is a better place because she got that teaching job right out of college, and decided to stay all of her life. I’m glad that our paths crossed so many years ago and that we stayed in touch. She will be missed and remembered. Rest in peace, my friend.
Though I haven’t seen Kay in quite awhile, I remember her well. She was my science teacher, teammate on the Earlville Victorians, golf partner, friend, etc. She brought me out here to Iowa when I was in high school so I could see the Girls State Basketball finals. Illinois didn’t have sports for girls at this time so it was great to see what was happening elsewhere. I have many fond memories. She will be missed.
Such fond memories of Coach Kuchel! She taught my entire family; 2 older brothers, my older sister and me! Gayle and I were on every sports team she coached. She had a lot to give and a lot to teach to adolescent students. I appreciated her easy-going style, but knew she could be stern when we needed it! (You could see it in her eyes!)