Edwin Kuechle

Edwin John Kuechle passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025, at Quiet Oaks Hospice House in Saint Augusta, MN, surrounded by his family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday July 15, 2025 at the Church of St. Anthony in Watkins, MN. Visitation will be held from 9:00 - 11:00 AM at church on Tuesday. Interment will be held at the St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery.

He was born on the home farm in Watkins, MN, on January 29, 1942. On June 13, 1964, he married the love of his life, Marilyn Bates. Eddie served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve. In 1970, he and Marilyn moved to the Bates farm, where they raised their family and built a life rooted in farming. Over the years, they raised pigs, beef cattle, and chickens while working the land.

Eddie was an avid hunter and fisherman who had a deep love for the outdoors. He especially enjoyed watching the progress of his crops. In addition to farming full-time, Eddie worked at Cold Spring Granite Company for over 40 years. He was known for his playful spirit, love of fun, and always being up to a little mischief-especially when it meant celebrating with friends, family, and grandchildren.

At heart, Eddie was a cowboy. Rarely seen without his signature cowboy boots, bolo tie, big belt buckle, and cowboy hat, he brought Western flair to rural Minnesota. Whether at a family gathering or town board meeting, he wore it all with pride and a twinkle in his eye.

The Kuechle home was always filled with music-piano, guitar, and plenty of singing. Eddie was a proud member of the Saint Anthony Adult Choir for over 30 years, where he cherished both the music and the friendships. He served on the Forest Prairie Township Board for 27 years, where he was proud to represent his community. He was also a member of the Minnesota Pork Producers.

Eddie loved collecting tools, farm equipment, and especially John Deere 2-cylinder tractors. He spent many happy hours tinkering and rebuilding them, and he loved having his family show them off at the Kraut and Wurst Parade in Watkins.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn Kuechle (Bates); his daughters Joy Swearingen (Jack), Jacqueline Polipnick (Phil), and Jennifer Mayer (Mark); his sons John Kuechle, Jason Kuechle (Stacy), and Jesse Kuechle (Jen); 20 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Ralph Kuechle (Arlene), Joe Kuechle (Mary), Betty Ann Donnay (Jim), Jerome Kuechle (Trudy), David Kuechle (Pam), Donald Kuechle (Sandy), Rose Ruprecht, Gary Kuechle, Chuckie Kuechle (Joyce), Joyce Mueller (Wayne), and Helen Krippner (Larry).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Barbara Marie Kuechle, and siblings Mary Lou Meyer, Lenora Clark, and Alquin Kuechle.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Quite Oaks Hospice House of Saint Augusta, MN or the Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict of St. Joseph, MN.