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 will miss Laurie. We had many good times together. One of our best times was a week long photography workshop we took in Door County. Early in our friendship we agreed not to discuss certain topics. Laurie had an infectious sense of humor and cherished her family. Rest in peace, dear friend.
I am so sorry to read of Laurie’s passing. Sending my deepest sympathy to her sons, and Victor and Allen. You are in my prayers.
I am so sad and sorry about Laurie’s passing. She was a wonderful aunt, always fun to be with, with a big heart and a generous, kind spirit. She always had a smile on her face! She loved her Iowa State Cyclones, and it was always a joy to spend time with her. Laurie will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love. R.I.P., Laurie. We love you!
Mark and Gregg. So sorry. Your mom and I were friends for over 50 years. So many memories are flooding through my mind right now. She was a very special person. So very caring. Love to you both and to Vic and Dianne and Allen. Jesus is with you.
RIp sweet woman.
Laurie was a caring and compassionate teacher at Lincoln. She certainly made a difference in many students’ lives. I remember seeing her use quick wit and a smile to lighten some tense situations. Her obituary picture captures that perfectly.
Hello coach, I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. I want you to know that we are deeply saddened, and we pray that God will give you and your family comfort. ????????????
so sorry for your loss my friend ????
Mark & Greg, sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Your family were great neighbors on N. 11th Street before you moved north to Lyons. Some favorite memories were going on walks with your mom and your dog Penny and exploring Carriage Hill subdivision as it was being built. She always made fun treats like jello popsicles and let us be involved in a volunteer sewing projects, such as creating stuffed animals for hospitalized children. You were some of my first babysitting “clients”, which I’m sure you don’t remember. It’s difficult to lose parents at any age, but you certainly were blessed with good ones.
Dear Mark, Gregg & Families,
My deepest sympathy to you upon the death of your dear mother/grandmother. Laurie was teaching at Lincoln when I was teaching at Clinton High. Some of my students ended up transferring to Lincoln and I was thankful for all the love and kindness Laurie had for the Lincoln students. She made a positive difference in their lives. Laurie and I were also in P.E.O. together. I always enjoyed visiting with her.
Sending many thoughts and prayers to the family. I was a fellow Cyclone graduate.We loved cheering them on while scrapbooking. I also remember the day she found out she was going to be a grandma. She was all smiles.
Laurie was a wonderful friend and coworker. She had a hesrt of gold and always cared for others. Her students at Lincoln adored her. I spent many hours scrapbooking with Laurie. She loved and adored her two sons, daughter-in-law, and 2 grandchildren. I will miss my dear friend. I know that she is smiling in heaven, and is happy to be reunited with Bob once again. Take care, Laurie.
Rest in God’s Peace, oh good and faithful servant. For today you are with Him in Paradise. We will miss you at Zion. ????????✝️
We will definitely miss you at Zion. ✝️????????
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.