Arlan W.

Kuehn

Arlan W. Kuehn, 80, passed away in the comfort of his home with his family on September 27, 2026. A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Mohr & Becker-Hunt Funeral Home, 1431 W. 29th Street, South Sioux City, Nebraska, with a prayer service beginning with the Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 1315 1st Avenue, South Sioux City, Nebraska.

Born on November 2, 1945, in Le Mars, Iowa, to Wesley and Ella Kuehn, Arlan attended school in Le Mars before beginning a distinguished career in the automotive industry. An accomplished businessman, he was highly respected in auto sales and valued as a mentor and friend to colleagues and competitors alike. His professional achievements included serving as President and Chairman of the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA). A Certified Master Dealer, he was also honored as Nebraska’s Quality Dealer of the Year.

Arlan left a big impact everywhere he went. He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone—and often did. His dedication extended beyond his professional career. He served as a Planning Commissioner for South Sioux City, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Board of Governors and Board of Directors at Northeast Community College.

His Catholic faith was an important part of his life. Arlan was an active parishioner at St. Michael Catholic Church in South Sioux City, where he served on the Parish Council and School Board, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and served as a lector for decades. He took a genuine interest in others, offering encouragement, thoughtful advice, and support whenever he could. Whether at church, in business, or among friends, he had a way of making people feel welcome and valued.

On November 20, 1981, Arlan married Jean Leslie Kuehn, beginning a beautiful life together that spanned Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska. Despite his many professional and community accomplishments, his greatest pride was his family. As his grandchildren and family recalled, some of their favorite memories were riding along in the golf cart while Grandpa golfed, spending weekends cheering at the racetrack, enjoying delicious summer cookouts and refreshing swimming parties at Grandma and Grandpa’s, and sharing special moments together. Grandpa even had a secret stash of Milano cookies hidden at his office and another for when the grandkids came to swim—secret hiding places Grandma Jean knew nothing about! During the school year, family members enjoyed stopping by his office to visit, catch up, and talk about school, as well as attending Mass together as a family. They also remember Grandpa leaving sweet love notes for Grandma Jean.

He enjoyed cheering for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, cruising in his Chevy Nomad, and attending local races. In 2008, he also celebrated a memorable hole-in-one at South Ridge Golf Course.

Arlan was known for his generosity, integrity, and wit. He believed in treating everyone with kindness and respect. He always made time to catch up, listen, lend a hand, or share a laugh and a cheeky joke. He often parted with his trademark farewell, “See you in the funny papers!”—a fitting reflection of the warmth and humor he brought to those around him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Jean Leslie Kuehn; his great-grandson, Lennon Kuehn; and, most recently, his brother-in-law, Rich Ribar.

Those left to cherish his memory include his sister, Carol Ribar; his children, Dave (Kellee) Kuehn and Dan (Emma) Kuehn; his grandchildren, Brittany Heeren, Zach (Michayla) Swanson, Justin (Stephanie) Kuehn, Colton (Andrea) Kuehn, Jessica (Cody) Croatt, and Ella Kuehn; and his fifteen great-grandchildren, Evan, Dylan, Aurora, Kaydyn, Kylee, Korbyn, Trezdyn, Talon, Marley, Eliana, Layla, Lola, Luna, Jude, and Lydia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in Arlan Kuehn’s name to either St. Michael Church, 1315 1st Avenue, or Northeast Community College, 1001 College Way, both in South Sioux City, Nebraska 68776.