Submitted by his Brother
Thomas ‘Emmett’ Kuehl was a true hero to many in the Elkton community. Community service was Emmett’s passion. He was a 17 year veteran of the Elkton Fire Department and was an EMT for 16 years with the Elkton Ambulance crew. Emmett had a knack for being the first one to respond to a fire or ambulance call‚ even getting to the fire hall in his underwear and getting dressed on the way to the call.
Elkton was life for Emmett. Whether it be a community event or a school activity. The one thing that you could count on was Emmett’s presence. He was a staunch supporter of Elkton athletics. He will be remembered by many in the community and surrounding area for his antics when the boys basketball team made the state tournament for the 1st time in 85 years. Emmett made a bet with the team that if they made it to ‘state’ he would shave his shoulder length hair completely off. Needless to say the boys did make it to state and he made good on his promise and even went one better and painted his head blue for the championship game‚ which the team did win. To show their respect to Emmett for driving the ambulance to all the home football games for the past 16 years‚ the 2006 football team dedicated the season to Emmett and went on to finish as Runner-up in the class 9AA championships at the state tournament.
Emmett enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson and attending the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. He also enjoyed cheering for his beloved Dallas Cowboys and the Northern State Wolves. Emmett was also a member of the Sioux River ABATE.
Although his life was tragically cut short‚ he lived life to the fullest and made friends with everyone he met. There is a huge void in the life of everyone that Emmett touched.
Family was another big part of his life. Grateful for sharing in his life is his family that he left behind. His Sister Dawn Uilk and her husband Mike and children Megan‚ Kayla‚ and Kara. His Brother Steve and his wife Melanie and their children Brooke and Dylan. His brother Rick and his wife Pam and their children Shaylee‚ Janaya‚ and Jayden. His brother Chad and his Fianc_ Donna. His brother Bill and his wife Charity and their children Mandy‚ Shauna and Billie Jo. His Brother Shane and his wife Sara and their daughter Natalie. His nephew Chris and many aunts‚ uncles‚ and cousins and Firefighter and EMT brothers and sisters.
He was preceded in death by his parents Marie (McClemans) Kuehl and Milo (Hank) Kuehl and a brother Chuck.
Emmett – not a day goes by that I do not think of you and how much I miss you. You will always be the brother I never had. I love you.
– PatsyHappy Birthday Em. The following is a poem written by Erin Lynn (EM’s 2nd Cousin) Emmett’s #1 Fan A small town man With a heart of gold Someone in the background Yet someone everyone knew Someone who would sit in the crowd And cheer on his home team Even if they were down He was still the ELK’S number one fan You were someone who helped everyone Someone who touched an entire town Someone who might be gone But someone who will never be forgotten You were more than just an ordinary person You took your time to help others in need Your memory will always linger here With all your family and friends alike That is why this town will always be Emmett’s number one fan We love you and miss you Written by Erin Lynn
– Linda