Lewis A. Kuhnz, age 82, of Oshkosh, died Thursday evening, February 22, 2007 at Aurora Medical Center. He was born on a farm in New Lisbon, Wisconsin on May 5, 1924 to Arthur and Bessie (Lewis) Kuhnz. Lewis married Betty Lou Seivers on December 14, 1944 in Oshkosh and she preceded him in death on April 18, 1994.

Lewis enlisted in the Army Air Corp in August 1942, where he served in the 92nd Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force as an Aerial Gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress. He flew 29 combat missions over France and Germany, was on the first raid to Berlin. His airplane ditched two times in the English Channel after having received major battle damage. In recognition of his service, Lewis received the Distinguished Flying Cross, 5 Air Medals-Presidential Citation, and Good Conduct Medal-ETC Ribbon.

Lewis was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. He and Betty Lou were the first home in Winnebago County to be licensed as a Children's Receiving Home by the State of Wisconsin. He was a member of the Goldfish Club, Lucky Bastard's Club, and He was a Hero in His Time Club. Lewis enjoyed time spent at the cottage near Conover in Northern Wisconsin, hunting, and watching the Packers.

Lewis was employed by WPS for 37 years until his retirement as a line foreman. After retirement he became the "Best Go-For" a son could ever have. He enjoyed stopping for a "cold one" at Robbins and later at George's Gaslight, Lewis was affectionately known as "take one Louie".

Survivors include two daughters, Barbara "Bobbie" Johnson and Sandra Summerville, both of Oshkosh; one son, David Kuhnz of Oshkosh; nine grandchildren, Courtney, Jamie, David, Robert, Lana, Krista, Debbie, Terri, and Joe; 17 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; a brother, Arthur "Bonner" (Brownie) Kuhnz of Oshkosh; many nieces and nephews. Preceding Lewis in death are his wife, parents, great grandson Cory, and a brother, Charles Kuhnz.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in Seefeld Family of Funeral Chapels, 300 North Eagle Street, with Reverend Gerald Nerenhausen officiating. A time of visitation and support will be held on Tuesday from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral chapel. Interment will take place in Lake View Memorial Park. A memorial is being established in Lewis' memory. The Kuhnz family wishes to extend their gratitude to the 2nd floor staff at Park View Health Center for the care and kindness given to Lewis.

"Wings of Steel"

The roar and rumble of metal ever so gently, but with such mass part the clouds that fill the sky! Young men silently waiting in perfect formation with destination in mind. Everything seems so peaceful and calm when looking down like angels above. There is serenity there. But quickly reality sets in. Soon young men will gray of age as time is near. Who would ever think such a bird with wings of steel would lay its eggs of death on a nest of life in which we all dwell? Powder and burning metal fill the sky, all around us is fear. The bird is getting tired, for she has laid her eggs. It's time to rest now! Let's guide her home to the nest, for she is the wings of steel. Dedicated to Lewis Kuhnz, waist gunner on B-17 of the 92nd Bomb GP and to Arthur Kuhnz, crew chief on a B-17 of the 447th Bomb GP, US Army 8th Air Corp.

Written by Adam Lewis Kuhnz.

Condolences may also be given online at www.seefeldfuneral.com.

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