Eugene H. Kuechle

Eugene H. “Friday” Kuechle, age 94, of Caseyville, IL, born on December 28, 1926, in Watkins, MN, died peacefully at his residence on Saturday, October 23, 2021, with his family by his side.

Eugene was a heavy equipment operator for Granite City Steel for 41 years. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War and recipient of the Korean Service Medal with Bronze Star. He was a member of United Steelworkers Local #1899, and a lifetime member of Collinsville VFW Post #5691.

He was preceded in death by his son, David Kuechle; his grandson, Cole Wierciszewski; his parents Joseph and Frances, nee Wick, Kuechle; his brothers, Leroy Kuechle and Wilfred Kuechle; and his sisters Virginette Cannon and Valeria Laidle.

Eugene is survived by his wife of 47 years, Donna, nee White, Kuechle; his children, Dianna Wegener, Douglas (Vivi) Hughes, Donald (Marcia) Kuechle, Dale (Christina) Kuechle, Patricia (Tom) Russell, Allen (Mary Kay) Smith, and Mark (Kelly) Kuechle; 23 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

Eugene’s family prefers donations to Shriners Hospital for Children or HSHS Hospice.

Funeral procession will leave Kassly Mortuary, 9900 St. Clair Ave., Fairview Heights, Illinois, on Thursday, October 28, 2021, at 9:45 a.m. for a 10:30 a.m. graveside service with military honors at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.

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