June Mariel Kuefler
June Mariel (Goergen) Kuefler died of Alzheimer’s on March 23, 2020, in Bedford, Texas. Her daughter, Julie Dougherty, was at her side as she passed peacefully to her eternal reward. June was born May 27, 1926, in McGregor, daughter of William Goergen and Margery (Claudy) Goergen. She graduated from the University of Dubuque in 1947, with a B.S. in physical education and a minor in music. Athletics and music would be among her lifelong loves.
In college she met her future husband, Raymond Bernard Kuefler (Ray). They were married Aug. 1, 1949, and had four children, John, Jane, Julie (Dougherty) and Joseph. June was preceded in death by Ray (d. 2000) and daughter Jane (d. 1976), and is survived by John (Lawrence, Kan.), Julie (Irving, Texas) and Joseph (Stow, Mass.), 24 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
June grew up in McGregor and lived most of her adult life in Racine and Kenosha, Wis., and retired in Hot Springs Village, Ark. In Racine, she taught physical education and music at several public and parochial schools. June and Ray were avid golfers and badminton players. June won a number of golf tournaments and ran several golf, basketball and other sporting and musical events in Racine. They continued their love for golf after they retired in Hot Springs Village.
But the most important thing to June was her faith and her family. She attended Congregational and Presbyterian churches and participated in choir and other activities her entire life. As for her family, from her own notes for her personal epitaph, this is how she wanted to be remembered: “That I brought into the world, and mothered, some wonderful children.”
Her family is so blessed to have had such a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her friends are so grateful to have known her. And her husband of 50 years will surely rejoice to be reunited.
Due to the coronavirus restrictions, no public funeral will be held. Interment of her cremains is planned for late summer in McGregor.
