Jerome B. “Blackie” Kuhl, age 82 of Highland, IL, died Friday, February 23, 2024, at Aviston Countryside Manor in Aviston, IL. He was born on Wednesday, August 20, 1941, in Breese, IL, the son of Edward and Hildegard (nee Molitor) Kuhl, Sr. On Saturday, February 3, 1962, he married Karen E. Collman at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, Illinois, who survives. He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church. He was also a member of Highland Pierron Volunteer Fire Department (1974 – 2007) and Highland Knights of Columbus Council #1580. “Blackie” was born in Breese, IL and lived in several places in the Metro area. He graduated from St. Paul High School, Highland, IL in 1959. He served with the US Army Reserves for 6 months and then started working.
Places that he worked included the City of Highland and Korte-Luitjohan Contractors, Inc. He started Kuhl Excavating where he was very active for a number of years. He also operated a wrecker service out of the Standard Service Station in Highland. He retired in 2018, Originally the Kuhl’s lived on North Poplar Street, where his storage units and strip mall shops are still open. They lived there from 1973 – 1999. For many years his family lived on the hill west of town (across from Brown’s A & W Drive-In), now Korte-Luitjohan Construction, Inc. He and his wife moved into town in 2016. Everyone admired his flag display on Lindenthal Avenue for which he was recognized by the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Blackie also had a large garden and distributed produce to family and friends. Survivors include: Wife – Karen E. Kuhl, nee Collman, Highland, IL; Daughter – Kimberly A. (Charles, III) Kilcauski, Highland, IL; Grandchildren – Ricky E. (Significant Other Mikayla Kitchen) Newcomb, Jr., Davenport, IA; Kelsey M. Newcomb, Greenville, IL; Amanda Cook, Highland, IL; Katy (Aaron) Haigood, Trenton, IL; Great Grandchildren – Many; Nieces and Nephews – Many; Cousins – Many; Siblings – Francis H. Kuhl, Mount Vernon, IL; Edward J. (Mary) Kuhl, Jr., Aviston, IL; Michael J. (Barbara) Kuhl, Highland, IL; Patrick L. (Karen) Kuhl, O’Fallon, IL; Dolores (Raymond) Weckback, Saint Louis, MO; Sister-In-Law – Sandra Kuhl, Belleville, IL. He was preceded in death by: Father – Edward F. “Eddie” Kuhl, Sr. – Died 1/12/1997; Mother – Hildegard M. Kuhl, nee Molitor – Died 8/03/1981; Grandchild – Jonathan B. Cook – Died 7/22/2018; Brother – Paul A. Kuhl – Died 5/30/2013; Father-In-Law – Walter L. Collman – Died 11/12/1996; Mother-In-Law – C. Harriet Collman, nee Mueller – Died 12/25/2011; Sister – Mary Lou Lanter – Died 8/05/2004; Brother-In-Law – Firmin D. Lanter – Died 1/10/2024. Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL. Memorial Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL, with Rev. Fr. Pat G. Jakel, Pastor, St. Paul Catholic Church, officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Highland-Pierron Volunteer Fire Department.
