Rev Robert Kuhn

In Memoriam: Reverend Dr. Robert T. Kuhn (1937–2025)

It is with profound sorrow and deep gratitude to God that we announce the passing of Reverend Dr. Robert T. Kuhn, a devoted servant of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, who departed this life peacefully on March 1, 2025, at the age of 87. His life was one of steadfast faith, exemplary leadership, and a boundless capacity to love and nurture those around him.

A Life of Ministry and Leadership

Born on April 5, 1937, Rev. Kuhn answered the call to ministry early in his life, being ordained in 1963. In a calling that spanned across 5 decades, he faithfully shepherded congregations in Illinois—from his early pastoral assignments at St. John Lutheran Church in Bath and Salem Lutheran Church in Chandlerville, to his ministry at Concordia Lutheran Church in Geneseo and later at Zion Lutheran Church in Pleasant Plains. His commitment to both congregational care and theological education was further evidenced by his role as Assistant Director of Development at Concordia Teachers College (now Concordia University) in River Forest, Illinois. 

His leadership extended beyond the local church: in 1985, he was elected president of the LCMS Central Illinois District, serving with distinction until 1995 when he was asked to serve the Church at large in the role of the Synod’s first vice-president and, in 2001, its 11th president. Until 2013 he held positions on multiple Boards of Directors as well as serving as the Vice President of the East-Southeast Region of LCMS.

A Heartfelt Testament to Love and Faith

Rev. Kuhn’s legacy was not confined to his public ministry alone; his personal life was a living sermon of love, patience, and grace. In one of his final reflections as president—a moving article entitled “Thank You, Dear One”—he eloquently urged all who read his words never to delay expressing their love for those who matter most. He recalled how his beloved wife, Judy, patiently waited for him as he pursued his calling, a partnership in which she was both his confidante and steadfast supporter. His words resonate still:

 “If you, special reader, haven’t said something like this publicly to and about your spouse, please don’t wait for 38 years to put it in writing. Do it soon, while the Lord still gives you time to say it.”

In this intimate tribute, he acknowledged the countless moments when life’s demands kept him away, yet he always returned to the comforting truth that true love endures and grows stronger through every trial. His testament to Judy’s faith and his own deep gratitude for her companionship serves as an enduring lesson in humility and devotion.

A Lasting Legacy

Rev. Kuhn’s influence extended far beyond the church walls. His leadership, marked by compassion and a deep reliance on God’s grace, nurtured not only the spiritual lives of his congregants but also set a powerful example for future generations of church leaders. He leaves behind a loving family—three children, nine grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren—who have grown under the guiding light of his faith and wisdom. His commitment to stewarding the gifts God entrusted to him, both in ministry and in family life, will continue to inspire all who knew him.

In His Own Words

Rev. Kuhn’s own reflections remind us that life is fleeting and every moment precious. His heartfelt exhortation to trust in the Lord and to openly express love stands as a beacon of hope and encouragement. Even as we mourn his loss, we celebrate a life richly lived—a life that challenges us all to love more deeply, to serve more faithfully, and to trust that God’s phenomenal grace is ever-present.

May we all be inspired by his legacy and may he rest in the eternal peace of our Lord.

The Church, his family, and countless others who were touched by his ministry will forever hold him in loving memory.

The family is still making arrangements for donations.