Donna Jean Kuhns

Kuhns, Donna Jean (née Edwards) Donna Kuhns of Apache Junction AZ previously of Milwaukee WI, passed away on August 30, 2019, one day after her 65th birthday in the loving arms of her husband Thomas Kuhns and surrounded by her children. Donna was born in Milwaukee WI on August 29, 1954, and grew up in a wonderfully large blended family with 3 sisters, Jill, Cheryl, and Debbie and 2 brothers, Mike and Jeff and their parents Don and Patricia Edwards on Milwaukee’s south side. Upon graduating from Pulaski High School in 1971, Donna continued her education at MATC and began working a St. Luke’s Hospital (now Advocate Aurora Health). Donna’s role evolved into a career as a Health Unit Coordinator and then into a Training Coordinator for Health Unit Coordinators. She was a strong supporter of her profession and with two of her colleagues, Donna wrote and published “Health Care Coordinator: 21st Century Professional”. This book provided a valuable resource to help Health Unit Coordinators prepare for the National Certification Exam while providing a training and reference resource for the profession. As a member of National Association of Health Unit Coordinators (NAHUC) Donna actively promoted the training and advancement of her profession which culminated in her being named NAHUC’s past President and again just recently in May 2019. Donna’s passion for her profession encouraged her daughter to follow her path in the health care field. Donna met Tom Kuhns at a local hangout they both frequented and they married on March 9, 1985. Together they had one daughter, Kimberly Kuhns and raised Tom’s son, William Kuhns in a home they lived in Milwaukee for over 30 years. They were well known in their neighborhood, helping to organize block parties and taco nights. She treated neighborhood kids as her own and they all loved her. Donna along with Tom were avid Packers fans as are their children and grandchildren. She was obviously cheering on the Packers recent win over the Bears. She enjoyed taking the kids to watch the Brewers’ games at County Stadium and memorably cheered them on from the bleachers. Donna will be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. She good-naturedly went along with Tom’s kidding and supported Tom in his varied business ventures. Donna even went so far as to dress up as a Klement’s Hot Dog to support Tom’s candy emporium and hot dog stands. In early 2018, Donna and Tom left Milwaukee and moved to their dream retirement home in Apache Junction, AZ. This move offered Tom and Donna numerous opportunities to spoil their two grandchildren, Keeley and Kris, who lived nearby. Donna will be missed dearly by her children, Wil (Wendy) & Kim (Daniel Tetzlaff) her mother (Patricia) sisters & sisters-in-law (Cheryl, Jill, Debbie, Kathy, Robin, Barbara & Marie), brothers (Mike & Jeff), grandchildren (Kris & Keeley), other relatives, friends, and co-workers. She is reunited with other family members that she was very close with (Don, Bob, Esther, & Mark). A celebration of Donna’s life will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2019, from 10 am until 12 pm with a service at 12 pm. A private service will be held for burial at Holy Cross Cemetery. With a celebration of life to follow at Alioto’s 3041 N Mayfair Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53222 until 4pm. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you hug those nearest and dearest to you in her honor. If you would like to donate to fight the battle against cancer in honor of Donna please do so in her name at the American Cancer Society website. https://www.cancer.org