Harlen George Kuhn of Imperial, Nebraska passed away at Mother Hull Home in Kearney, Nebraska on August 24, 2026 with his daughter, Deena at his side. Harlen was born on February 22, 1943 on the farm in rural Rush County, near La Crosse, Kansas to Felix and Caroline (Schuckman) Kuhn.

Harlen attended a one-room schoolhouse in Rush Co. and graduated from La Crosse High School in 1961. He grew up helping on the farm and raising cattle.

Harlen married Marie Johnston on October 3, 1964 and the couple continued to work on the family farm while also working for Marlette Homes in Great Bend, Kansas. During the slower winter months, Harlen worked for Red Dragon Engineering, making welding torches in La Crosse, Kansas. Harlen was the epitome of a Jack-of-all-trades.

In 1992, Harlen married Marietta Sponie and opened a liquor store in Liebenthal, Kansas. Later, in 1996, he quit farming and moved to Imperial, Nebraska. Harlen assisted Marietta with the operation and maintenance of a combination motel, convenience & video store in Grant, Nebraska, until taking a job as facility maintenance engineer for Artistic Woodworking in Imperial.

Harlen was always willing to hear a good joke and pass it along. He always made you smile. He enjoyed going on gambling bus tours and playing “Pic 2” lottery and enjoyed two very memorable riverboat cruises along the Ninnescah River in Kansas.

Harlen was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Harlen is survived by his daughters, Deena (Sam) Smith and Marina Fulton; 3 grandchildren, Eryn, Emily and Chris; 1 great grandchild, Willa; his former wife, Marie Adams; his niece, Pam Leiker; nephews, Glenn Urban and Brent Urban.

Harlen was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marietta; and his sister, Elsie (Norbert) Urban.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Imperial Lions Club.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. (MT) Monday, August 31st at Mount Hope Cemetery in Imperial, with Fr. Lothar Gilde officiating.