MASON CITY – Alex J. Kuhn, 34, of Mason City, IA, died Friday, July 15, 2016. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, July 21, 2016, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, with Rev. Dan Gerrietts officiating. Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Charles City, IA at 2:00 PM on Thursday. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM on Wednesday, July 20, 2016, at Trinity Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alex J. Kuhn memorial fund in care of the family. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com
Alex was born December 13, 1981, in Charles City, IA, the son of Mark A. and Denise A. (Davin) Kuhn. He graduated from Charles City High School in 2000, and continued his education at Iowa State University earning his Bachelor’s degree in 2004 with a major in education and a minor in political science. Alex moved to Houston, TX where he student taught. In 2005, he moved back to the Kuhn family farm to assist with harvest after his father was injured in a serious farming accident. On August 18, 2007, Alex married Melissa Burmester in Galena, IL and to this union two children were born: Rylan and Collan. The couple later divorced.
Alex served as clerk to his father, Mark Kuhn in the Iowa House of Representatives and later served as an administrative assistant to United States Senator Tom Harkin in Des Moines. He then moved back to Mason City where he taught as a long term substitute teacher for the Mason City School District. He worked as community organizer for the United Way of North Central Iowa. This work included helping disadvantaged kids with a group called ‘Everybody Wins.” Other volunteer activity included work for Habitat for Humanity of North Iowa and the Mason City Youth Task force. In 2011, Alex began his career with Henkel Construction Company as their business development specialist. He was part owner/operator of the Kuhn family farm near Charles City.
Alex was first elected as an At-Large Member of the City Council in 2011 and was re-elected in 2015. Currently he was also serving as Mayor Pro-Tem. His public service in Mason City was highlighted by his courage and commitment to all his constituents.
Alex’s two sons were his highest priority and the source of his greatest joy. He served as a coach for their football and baseball teams, and also the Mason City Bulls traveling basketball team. Alex read to students at Jefferson Elementary every Friday. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and Noon Rotary. Alex enjoyed playing basketball and tennis.
Alex is survived by 2 sons: Rylan and Collan Kuhn of Mason City; his parents: Mark and Denise Kuhn of Charles City; 1 brother: Mason Kuhn and wife Lori of Cedar Falls, IA; and maternal grandmother: Barbara Davin of Nora Springs, IA. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents: Max and Helen Kuhn; and maternal grandfather: Robert L. Davin.
Reliable sources say that Bookmeyer was told not to set foot anywhere near this funeral, or the family. Sure hope he didn’t, but with his ego, he probably tried.
In the movie code red, Jack Nickoson says to Tom Cruise” you cant handle the truth”, can you handle the truth?? perfect saying for as we live in a world with 4 walls that hear everything but can not tell us the truth.
Dr Crane: you may want to look up the word “guess”. Means pretty much the same as “speculation”. Nice try though.
So sad to take your own life 🙁
Is this what really happened?? I just don’t see how he could with two young boys at home.
my understanding is that, generally speaking, depression induced suicide doesn’t work like that. its not a rational decision based on pros and cons.
Exactly. All they want is relief from the pain. In many cases depression just comes on like cancer, with no apparent cause. I would guess in Alex’s case it was situational depression caused by the bullying. And now it’s the bullies’ turn to suffer, as they certainly will for a long time, unless they’re sociopathic.
Everything following your “I would guess……” is pure speculation and junk science from a Monday morning armchair quarterback. The ones who loved him the most will never know why.
Bookmeyer, Hickey and Anderson all need to resign!
you’re an idiot. that doesn’t know shit about depression.
I think Forensic Files needs to be notified. This could prove to be one of those cases where suicide was later revealed to be murder. At the minimal the press should release a confirmation if he left a suicide note behind which the family recognizes to be authenticate. I doubt someone like him would not print out something to his family. North Iowa is notorious for cover ups and insider justice. I’m wondering if people shouldn’t be calling down to DCI or the the FBI to find out precisely what is going on. The local authorities are obviously culpably negligent.
Peter, it’s none of your business. Can’t you just leave it alone and let people grieve? Stop being such a selfish ass.
I hope once the Kuhn family tries to get some peace and normality back into their lives, they come after you Peter. And I don’t mean physically. I hope they get their lawyers all over you. Someone needs to show you that you just can’t say and do whatever you want.
Peter, I’m afraid suicide happens all the time to all types of people – even public figures. When it happens to someone of that nature, it is not ALWAYS a conspiracy. Unfortunately, I have known a handful of people who have turned to suicide. Many are comparing this to Adam Lack’s case. The truth of the matter is that there is no merit to any of the allegations that his mother has written on websites and which have been circulating around social media and the web. Iowa Cold Cases is not affiliated with law enforcement and has put out the misinformation without verifying any of it. In fact, most of it is slander and his mother has risked lawsuit with what she has done. People like you need to keep your yapper shut and let the family grieve and not add fuel to the fire.
You know what Vet? I’m getting sick of people like YOU telling me what I ought to do. Getting sick of people telling me my concerns aren’t valid. You think how you want to. And I have no idea nor concern about the Adam Lack case. I’m talking about the Kuhn one.
Consider what it feels like to a loved one before you speak and hurt someone. There is a place and time for this discussion. Not now. Not here. Please.
I wonder if bookmeyer had anything to do with his death?
What a tacky tasteless comment. You are a jerk.
Good comment Jim. That is one of the rumors floating around. Some people are afraid of finding out the truth and will post negative comments about you because of it.
Very sad.
Dido!!!
I believe its — DITTO.
I prefer Dido, she’s cuter. But did she really sleep with Marshall Mathers to get a record deal? Or did she out of gratitude?
You are both wrong. Its Dildo fellas.
The utmost respect for Mr Kuhn. Many thanks for his dedicated, non-negative leadership as Council member ! He was a true leader. Mason City has suffered a great loss. Many, many thanks to Alex Kuhn.
They won’t say yet.
How did he die?
In addition to not being funny, this sorry excuse of a joke is wrong on more than one level. Disgusting.