Arlin Verdell Kuhni's Obituary
Arlin Verdell Kuhni, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away surrounded by loved ones on December 5, 2024. Born the second youngest of eight children to John Hans and Nettie Rachel Kuhni, at their home in Provo, Utah on May 4, 1933.
Arlin grew up in the family business where he learned his top-notch work ethic. A talented musician, he could play the piano by ear and played violin beginning in the second grade. Later in high school he played in the orchestra and sang in the acapella choir. He also developed his love of aviation and earned his pilot’s license at sixteen. He endured the tragedy of his father passing away suddenly when he was only seventeen.
He graduated from Provo High School in 1951 and started school at BYU. After one semester, Arlin’s patriotic spirit led him to enlist in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, flying all over the pacific as a crewmember on cargo transport planes. While stationed in Hawaii, he was introduced to playing the ukulele and singing barbershop music which became lifelong hobbies. He became a Loadmaster and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant before being honorably discharged in 1955.
After returning home, Arlin faced the loss of his mother to cancer when he was 23 years old. Shortly after his mother’s death, he suffered his own bout with a painful and deadly cancer. He was counseled that miracles happen in positive environments. He fought to stay positive and through the prayers and fasting of family and friends he was blessed to be miraculously cured. He shared that lesson of staying positive and gratitude for divine help throughout his life. He resumed his studies at BYU, earning a bachelor’s degree in business management minoring in economics and accounting. Arlin’s love of aviation steered him to work as a manager over general operations in an aviation company where he flew and sold small private airplanes all over the country and set-up airport operations in five states.
He met the love of his life, Kathleen Summers from Monticello Utah, on a blind date. They married in 1970 in the Salt Lake Temple and began their life together in Ephraim, Utah. Arlin served as the Bishop of his ward and the Mayor of Ephraim City at the same time. Balancing these responsibilities while raising his growing family proved challenging but showcased his commitment to his family, community, and faith. He often said, “It is a privilege and an honor to provide for a family.”
In 1975, they moved to Orem, where Arlin developed an impressive green thumb gardening in the backyard where he taught his children many lessons about how to work. With its beautiful flowers, this manicured space was often a location for wedding receptions and get-togethers for family and friends. He also cultivated an array of delicious fruits and vegetables which he shared generously. He continued to serve faithfully in various callings. He loved the Savior and to serve his fellow man. Professionally he flourished in different industries where he earned a reputation for integrity and competence. His leadership and financial acumen made lasting impacts in every role, and he was often brought in to rescue companies facing significant financial troubles. His tenure as Utah County’s Clerk/Auditor overseeing elections and county finances marked the culmination of a career devoted to excellence and public service.
Arlin lived a life rich with faith, friends, and adventure but his greatest treasure was his family. He is survived by his wife, Kathie, and their children: AnnMarie (Bruce) Dallin, Kristi (Carl) Albright, Shellie (Ryan) Roberts, Matthew (Shari) Kuhni, and Steven (Jenny) Kuhni. He leaves behind 18 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren who will forever cherish his legacy of love, integrity, and service. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Marie, Ralph, Theron, Elaine, Glade, and Carol. He is survived by his older brother Melvin.
On Saturday December 14, 2024, a viewing will be held from 9-10:30 am followed by funeral services at 11:00 am at the 4th Ward Sunset Heights Building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 500 South 600 West, Orem, UT 84058.
For those unable to attend the service can be watched online at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWCfJKBlIrk
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