Paul Dean Kuchera, 88, passed away Tuesday, March 7, 2023, in Topeka, KS. He was born January 1, 1935, on the family farm near Munden in Republic County, KS to John W. and Irene Emma (Stepanek) Kuchera.
Paul married Lois Arlene Erickson in Scandia, KS on May 25, 1958. They celebrated their 64th anniversary with family.
He started his career as a junior high school teacher then owned and operated Mr. K’s Coffee Shop and sold Farm Bureau insurance before retiring with the Kansas Department of Transportation. He was a high school track coach for many years and a strong advocate for girls’ sports at the high school level.
Paul served 26 years in the U.S. Army National Guard and was a member of the American Legion, Jaycees, Lincoln Masonic Lodge, Kansas Council on Aging, and Lincoln United Methodist Church where he was a lay minister for many years. He also volunteered often at the Lincoln Senior Center.
Paul is survived by his daughter Paula Currey (Steve) of Rose Hill, KS; son Joel Kuchera (Valerie) of Quinter, KS; daughter Saralyn Newell (Don) of Topeka; son Jon Paul Kuchera (Jane) of Wamego, KS; ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; brother David Kuchera; and four nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Lois Kuchera; and brother Jack Kuchera and his wife Gayle.
A memorial service will take place at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 18, 2023 at the Lincoln United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Lincoln Senior Center, Lincoln United Methodist Church, or the Lincoln County Hospital, c/o Hall Chapel, P.O. Box 37, Lincoln, KS 67455.