Kuhn, Elsie Louise

Elsie Louise Kuhn passed away on Dec. 21, 2010, approximately one year following a diagnosis of bone cancer.

She was born July 4, 1937, to Bernard and Mildred (Mendenhall) Standing and spent her childhood in the Bear Creek Community north of Earlham, Iowa. She attended Scattergood Friends School near West Branch and received a B.A. degree in home economics and a B.A. degree in education (specializing in art and reading) from the University of Iowa. She worked at a number of positions, including 23 years as an administrative secretary at the Division of Education, Policy and Leadership Studies for the University of Iowa.

She was the clerk of the Iowa City Friends Meeting for a number of years and volunteered at the Iowa City Peace Center and the Free Lunch Program. She appreciated art throughout her life and is known for her drawings, paintings, ceramics and poetry. She cared deeply about nature and the environment.

She is survived by her former husband, Barclay Kuhn; two brothers, Herbert Standing of Earlham, Iowa and John Standing of San Francisco, Calif.; a son and daughter-in-law, Rufus and Kathy Kuhn; a daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Tony Sotelo of Atalissa; a grandson, Keegan Sotelo; and longtime companion David Malone.

Elsie was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Leland and Alan.

Elsie chose to deed her body to the University of Iowa Deeded Body Program. A memorial service will be scheduled in the new year. Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service is handling arrangements.

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