The Fergus Falls Daily Journal

Reno Kuehnel, died Dec. 20, 2012 in Wausaukee, WI.

Innovative engineer, family farmer, and father to 16 (13 considered high-risk adoptions, including the first mixed-race adoption by a white couple in Wisconsin), Skip created a remarkable legacy. Born to Reno Walter Kuehnel, Sr. and Jean Elizabeth Leggate in Milwaukee, WI, on June 17th, 1926, Skip leaves behind his wife of nearly 60 years, Rebecca Pederson Kuehnel, and their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A Navy veteran during WW II and Korea, Skip went on to help design the first inertial navigation systems for commercial aircraft at Delco Electronics, and took pride in his work on the ground-based components for the burgeoning space program. At mid-life, he created a family farm in Newton, WI. After retiring to Wausaukee, north of Green Bay, he became an EMT. His battle with bladder cancer ended Thursday evening, Dec. 20, at home surrounded by family.

Reno asked that his body be donated to science, a request his family has honored. A memorial service is planned for the spring. A group page has been placed on Facebook and any who wish are invited to share memories there and follow the plans for that memorial.