Published on October 22, 2026 9:45 am
Last Updated on October 22, 2026 10:27 am
Leonard Phillip “Lenny” Kuhnley, age 70, of Dieterich, Illinois, passed away at 8:39 PM on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at his home.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, October 31, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 13204 North 2300th Ave, Wheeler, Illinois (North of Dieterich/South of Montrose) with Pastor Dean Herberts. A luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall. In loving memory of Lenny, memorials may be made to the Infant Memorial Fund at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements are in the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Dieterich, Illinois. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com. Leonard better known as “Lenny” was born on July 2, 1956, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the son of Jack E Haddix and Eleanor Gall. He was adopted in 1961 by his stepfather Jerry Jerome Kuhnley.
Lenny had a strong faith that began in the Friedens Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenosha, Wisconsin, being baptized on August 19, 1956, and confirmed on December 23,1973. His aunt and uncle John and Virginia Bernhardt were instrumental in his faith serving as his sponsor and they continued their support throughout their life. Leonard joined the Civil Air Patrol as soon as he was elidable, setting into motion his dedication of service to others. Leonard proudly joined the United States Air Force on March 21,1975. Leonard married Katherine Johnson on October 15, 1978, in Goldsboro, North Carolina and to this union was born a daughter Wendy Lee. She was welcomed home by her big sister Tarra Johnson.
During his years of service, he worked in many capacities including police, fire protection and recreation services. He cared for other solders in many capacities during Desert Storm. He concluded his military career of 19 years, 8 months and 10 days of service to his country at his last duty station, Gila Bend, AFAF in Arizona. He made mention to a co-worker when asked “do you need anything” that he “needed a tall blond” and to that the co-worker replied she is next door. He soon met Peggy Jean Moeller Walker and the rest was history. They moved to Bedford, Indiana and they married on May 23, 1998. While in Bedford, he worked for Sears as a salesman.
They made their home in Dieterich, Illinois, in July of 2003, he worked for the village of Dieterich until he finally decided to slow down and enjoy some hobbies.
He filled his time making children’s toys and woodworking.
Many in the area knew him for his Christmas spirit, a gift he shared over the years during his time in the military and at the Dieterich Village Santa House.
He was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church north of Dieterich, Illinois.
Leonard is survived by- Wife- Peggy Kuhnley of Dieterich, Illinois Daughter- Wendy Lee (Bradley) Fleener of Bloomington, Illinois 3 Nephews- Dustin (Ashley) Kuhnley, TJ (Jessica Scholl) Nuernberg, Chad Nuernberg 1 Great-nephew- Jace Kuhnley 2 Great-nieces- Samantha and Macey Nuernberg Sister- Terry (Tom) Nuernberg of Menominee, Michigan
Family gained through marriage- brother-in-law Bruce and Terri Moeller, sisters-in-law Kathy and Laz Szanto and Janice Dinsmore, 8 nieces and nephews, 19 great-nieces and nephews and 1 great-great niece Lenny will be missed greatly by his extended family, friends and neighbors who he deeply loved, including Katie Vela Haupt, her husband Dustin and daughter August, Sue Schmidt, Paul and Susan Shimoff and family, Carol Brown and Christina Loy. Leonard was preceded in passing by his mother, father, adoptive father, brother David Kuhnley and brother-in-law Gary Moeller. A special thank you to the Cancer Care Center in Effingham, St. Anthony Wound Clinic, Dr. Ramirez and staff at the Effingham VA Clinic for their dedication and care.