Dorothy J. Kuhns

Dorothy J. Kuhns, of Lennox, South Dakota died on June 2, 2026 at the Pioneer Memorial Hospital in Viborg, just a month shy of her 91st birthday. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, June 5 at West Prairie Lutheran Church in Lennox with visitation the hour prior from 10:00 to 11:00 am. Burial and luncheon to follow. Dorothy was born at home in Lennox on July 3, 1935 to parents Louis and Jennie Moerke. Throughout Dorothy’s childhood, the family moved often, living all around the Lennox area, where she graduated Salutatorian of Lennox High School. At just that time, the local post office had an opening and she jumped right into her 40 year career as a post office clerk. In 1954, just a year after graduating, Dorothy was crowned Queen of the town’s Diamond Jubilee 75th Anniversary celebration. At that point, she already owned her own home right in the heart of town, where she could stay connected with all of the happenings. On October 12, 1984, Dorothy was united in marriage to Orlin “Ole” Gedstad at Faith Presbyterian Church in Lennox. They settled on the Gedsted family farm south of town and were longtime members of West Prairie Lutheran Church. Dorothy and Ole enjoyed many years together, farming and travelling the country until Ole’s passing in 2001. Several years later, on January 6, 2007, Dorothy was blessed in marriage to her second husband, John “Jack” Kuhns. She lived with Jack in Canton until his passing in 2013, after which she moved back into her home in Lennox. Dorothy’s kindness shone through everything she did as she cared for those around her. Although she never had children of her own, she mothered countless little ones, babysitting and looking after the neighborhood kids. Dorothy found joy in simple things like dancing or waving to someone through the window. She had a smile that could brighten anyone’s day and will be greatly missed. Dorothy is survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family members and friends. She’ll be especially missed by her special friend and caregiver Stephanie Reiners, who spent the last several years as part of the family. Besides her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Ole Gedstad, second husband, Jack Kuhns, and brother Harold Moerke.

Dorothy J. Kuhns

July 3, 1935 - June 2, 2026

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