Philip Kent Kuhnert passed away surrounded by family at home on January 11, 2022. He was born on March 20, 1952 in St. Joseph, Missouri and was the oldest of five children of Arthur L. and Darlien (McNett) Kuhnert.
He grew up in Atchison, Kansas. He was a man of many talents. After high school, Phil began the first of his many careers—upholsterer and first-responder in Sabetha, Kansas then Franklin County, Kansas. Phil received his EMICT from Johnson County Community College in 1983. He went on to actively serve for Douglas County Ambulance Service then served as Captain for Lawrence Fire and Medical. He not only was a paramedic; he was a business man where he owned Phil’s Upholstery and Trim for ten years. His distinguished medical and fire career encompassed over 30 years where he received numerous awards. Phil retired in 2007. However, in retirement, he decided to go back to work. He worked for Douglas County Sheriff’s office as a lobby/registration officer, foster-parent for KVC Kansas, classroom volunteer for Pinckney and Deerfield Elementary Schools, and was Santa Claus at Lawrence area shelters.
Phil met Brenda in 1983. Between them they raised seven children. Although times were tough, they made sure everyone had what they needed. Family was his priority and he made sure to do something special for each and every one of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; whether it was buying someone a special candy they loved, making holiday treats for the classrooms, or taking time out of his busy day to help take care of them when they needed him. He always went above and beyond for the holidays; making cookies and his famous beef jerky, taking meals to work so his co-workers could enjoy a nice dinner, and getting items for families in need, including adopting families at Christmastime and throughout the year.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Darlien Kuhnert. He is survived by his wife, Brenda (Helm) Kuhnert; children, Matthew (Kimberly) Kuhnert, David (Monica) Kuhnert, Genée (Steve) Figuieras, Misty (Steven) Yeahpau, Brandy (Art) Martinez, Jessica (Tom) Finch, and Jamie (Raymond) McPherson; grandchildren, Ethan, Kimberly, Trenton, Tyler, Brittany (Jesse), Oreana (Metgut), Conner (Kaitlyn), Isaac, Maxine, Isabella, José, Sissy, Kayelia, Babie, Ava, Haileigh, Sabrina, and Maddy; great-grandchildren, Macy, Daniel, Ryker, and Tucker; siblings, Steven (Kitty) Kuhnert, Billy (Debbie) Kuhnert, Beverly Beaver, and Becky (Terry) Mills; and many nieces and nephews; however, anyone that Phil met, he considered them family.
Family will receive well-wishers on Monday, January 17, 2022 starting at 1:00 pm followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana, Lawrence, Kansas 66044. Inurnment will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Visiting Nurses’ Association and/or the McSwain Foundation.
