Jacqueline “Jackie” (Hanson) Kuhns, caring wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away at her home on Feb. 12, 2022, at the age of 75.

Jackie was preceded in death by her father, John Hanson; her mother, Adeline Hanson; sisters, LaVonne (Hanson) Ramsay ‘54 and Janice Henke; brother, John Hanson; nieces, Ana Plante, Karen Smiley and Beth Schalk.

She is survived by her loving husband, Kenneth Kuhns; daughter, Kristi (Jeff) Wagner; son, Kevin (Bethany Catalano) Kuhns; grandchildren, Benjamin Wagner, Joshua Wagner, Makenna Wagner, Jayden Kuhns, Josie Kuhns, Hailey Walker, Mitchell, Daniel, Vincent and Dominick Peloquin; and her cherished nephews and nieces.

Jackie was born in Fargo, N.D. Her family moved to Glenwood, Minn., where she met the love of her life, Kenneth in 7th grade. After graduating from Glenwood High School in 1964 she went on to study at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Two years later Ken convinced her to come home to Minn., and get married. She finished her schooling at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Jackie and Ken moved to Buffalo, Minn., where they raised Kristi and Kevin.

Jackie was a vibrant light with a smile that lit up any room she entered. She deeply cared for people and wanted to make the world a better place by making others feel happy. One of her favorite sayings was “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” Jackie was an elementary teacher in Richfield, Minn., Anoka, Minn., and Monticello, Minn. She had a tremendously big heart for kids and always went the extra mile to make sure they knew they were loved.

Jackie’s love of music led her to perform as an accomplished trumpet player and become a wonderful pianist. She loved accompanying her daughter, Kristi, on her flute, the Zion Lutheran Senior Choir, many high school students for solo and ensemble and recently began teaching piano lessons. She participated in many musical organizations including the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra, the Buffalo Community Orchestra, Buffalo Community Theater’s Pit Orchestras, and a professional brass quintet, Class Brass.

Jackie loved and appreciated her time spent with family, friends and her two puppies, Mandy and Charley. She especially enjoyed spending time with family at the lake in Alexandria, Minn. She always found a way to gather family and spend precious time together. Jackie will be remembered for many things, but especially for her love of others and her big heart.

Memorials are preferred to the family.