Laurie J. Kuehl age 82 of Clinton passed away Thursday, January 21, 2026 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Zion Lutheran Church. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Friday, January 30th at the Pape Funeral Home and from 10:00 AM until the service time Saturday at the church. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery.
Laurie was born in Clinton on February 5, 1943, the daughter of Lewis and Dorothy (Stuedemann) Rathje. She graduated from Clinton High School and received her BA Degree in home economics and her Master’s Degree in education from Iowa State University. Laurie married Robert Kuehl on October 15, 1966 at Zion Lutheran Church in Clinton. Robert passed away on March 27, 2000. Following college Laurie taught in the Camanche School System and later for many years at Lincoln Alternative High School in Clinton. Laurie was a very active member of Zion Lutheran Church. She enjoyed traveling, bowling, scrapbooking, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Laurie is survived by 2 sons; Mark Kuehl of Houston, TX and Gregg (Emily) Kuehl of Onalaska, WI; 2 grandchildren, Oliver and Elizabeth, and 2 brothers, Victor (Dianne) Rathje of Amana, Iowa and Allan Rathje of Bettendorf. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.
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I am so sorry to hear this! I loved her so! RIP
My condolences go out to her family. She was such an amazing teacher at Lincoln and touched the lives of so many. She will be forever loved and remembered.
Mark, Greg, and family, we will keep each and every one of you in our prayers. Laurie will be missed by so many, and I am so happy that we got to talk with her on Tuesday the 19th, and told her how much she was loved. We loved her visit when she would drive to Houston, and will miss that time.
Until we meet again,
Love you,
RIP, Laurie!
Mark and Gregg, my condolences to you. Your mom was instrumental in mentoring me in my student teaching and later as one of my best friends and co-workers at Lincoln for years. We shared many tears and many laughs. Her love for you was eternal. May you know that you were the light of her life as I’m certain that her grandchildren are as well.
Mark & Gregg,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was a doll. Enjoyed chatting whenever I got to see her. Was shocked to hear she passed. I won’t be in town to attend the visitation or funeral, but will be thinking of her. May she R.I.P. Safe travels back here.
Rest in Peace Laurie. We will miss you! Thank you for being a great neighbor!
Rest in peace, knowing you made a difference in so many
of our Lincoln Knight’s lives.