Virgil John Kuennen

Virgil John Kuennen, 84, formerly of Lawler, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at Chautauqua Guest Homes #3 in Charles City.

Virgil was the first son of Raymond and Anna Kuennen. He spent most of his life on the family farm near Lawler, Iowa, alongside his younger siblings Robert and Madonna (Stephan). For part of his childhood, he lived and attended school at St. John's School for the Deaf in Wisconsin. After completing his education, he returned to the family farm, where he helped with farm work, took long walks, picked up sticks, threw rocks, and joined Ray, Anna, and Robert's family for church and other activities. Following the deaths of his parents and brother, Virgil moved to Charles City, where he was lovingly cared for by the staff at Comprehensive Systems.

There he found a comfortable routine, enjoying time in a nearby workshop, outings for ice cream at Dairy Queen, and activities with fellow residents. A kind and good-hearted brother and uncle, Virgil was known for his firm handshake, his love of playing catch, working on puzzles, following the Iowa Hawkeyes, looking at tractor books, and taking walks.

He is survived by his sister, Madonna, his nieces Jodi (Reeg), Stacy (Kuennen), Jessica (LeBar), Katie (Stephan), Annie (Peterson), and many great-nieces and nephews. Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Anna (Kuehner) Kuennen; his brother, Robert (Pauline) Kuennen; his brother-in-law, Chris Stephan; and his niece, Rebecca Stephan.