Richard Allen Kuhlman

Age 95 – Sun Lakes, AZ

Richard “Dick” Allen Kuhlman of Sun Lakes, AZ, died at home on June 3, 2023 at home of natural causes. Dick was born on February 24, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan to Leo and Margaret Kuhlman. Dick grew up in Detroit and attended the public schools. Then he attended the Detroit Institute of Technology before transferring to Michigan State University in 1947. In 1951 he graduated from M.S.U. with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering.

Dick went to work for North American Aviation, Inc. (later became Rockwell International) in Columbus, Ohio in 1951 where he worked until 1964. He returned to Michigan and worked for a short time for his father promoting the Springaire Floor (his father’s invention) and managed to sell the floor to Wayne State for the Physical Education Building. Then Dick took advantage of an opportunity to work for the Ford Motor Company as a Supplier quality Assurance representative at Ford’s Rawsonville Plant. In this job he visited suppliers in the U.S. and Canada evaluating the suppliers and their systems for quality control. In 1970 Dick transferred to the Ford Parts & Service Division. This job took him to almost every state in the union. He often took along his golf clubs which gave him a chance to play golf in almost every state! Dick started enjoying retirement in January of 1993 after a long and very interesting career.

Dick married (and later divorced) Gretchen (Heurich) Hopkins in 1967 and soon adopted her daughter Alicia Charlotte. Dick’s son Erich Richard Leo was born in 1968. Dick was very proud of both children and pleased that both became golf professionals.

Dick was a man of strong Christian faith. For many years he was very active in Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Ypsilanti. In his later years, living in Sun Lakes, Arizona, he continued to be an active member of Risen Savior Lutheran Church.

Dick was a devoted and loving family man. He was also an avid sports enthusiast. In his young years he dreamed of playing baseball for the Detroit Tigers. When he took up golf in the mid 1950’s he became one of golf’s biggest fans. He was also a great storyteller and was a loyal friend to many people. He will be greatly missed.

Dick is survived by his sister, Janet Stauch, his daughter Alicia, daughter-in-law Kelly Kuhlman and grandchildren Leo and Lydia, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Erich and brothers Robert and James.

A viewing and funeral will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Risen Savior Lutheran Church, 23914 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler, AZ 85248. Phone - 480-895-6782.

1 P.M. – viewing

2 P.M. – funeral service – followed by a reception

4-4:30 – burial at the Valley of the Sun Funeral Home

Memorial donations can be made to the Risen Savior Lutheran Church

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com for the Kuhlman family.