Melvin William Kuethe

Melvin Kuethe passed away recently at age 99.

He was an extraordinarily wonderful man, full of purpose, warmth and strength. He was the best dad anyone could imagine, brilliant, funny, kind, and a steady rock our family leaned on. He was endlessly curious and designed amazing, and often secret, things as an aerospace engineer - including a major contribution to the design on the Mars Lander for which he won awards. At home he was just as driven - he always had a sense of purpose…building, fixing, gardening, and always asking questions. He was always one of two things: very, very busy - or sound asleep napping from all of his busy-ness! 

Even in his last years, he never lost that sense of purpose. He got great joy from assembling wooden cars to send to needy kids overseas - he built them by the thousands - literally - and was always refining and making more efficient even this simple task. He continued to read the news, and only a few months ago had me mailing him research on the future of water sources in the U.S.

He had a big smile for everyone and was so quick with a joke. When he turned 99, we asked him what he wanted for his birthday and he answered “to be 21”! Even in his last few weeks he was dreaming of the chance to travel to see my sister’s new house in Canada or checking in on my kids.  He never, ever, lost that spark of life and purpose - and we  truly believe that’s what carried him for so long. 

He passed away on February 20th - his wife, Juanita’s birthday. They were married for 75 years - Juanita  passed away in September. They had an incredible love story and it ended with this bittersweet coincidence.

We were so lucky to have him for so long, and he - like our  mom - will be deeply, deeply missed.

Dad was born in Prairietown Illinois August 12, 1926. He grew up on a farm, briefly joined the military, and worked for Martin Marietta as an aerospace engineer for most of his career. He graduated from Parks College, and was married to Juanita Helmkamp in 1950. Together, they raised four children: Susan, Sharon, Steven, and Sandi. He is also survived by six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

There will be a memorial service for him in Centennial, CO this May.

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