Dean J. Kuhles, 59, of Spicewood, Texas, formerly of Syracuse, New York, passed away at his home on the morning of April 28, 2012, surrounded by the love of his two best gals, his beloved wife, Patti, and his much-adored sister-in-law, Vicki.
He was a 1972 graduate of West Genesee High School in Camillus, NY. Dean married his high school sweetheart, Patti Hall, at Holy Family Church in Fairmount, NY, on Friday the 13th of September, 1974. They moved to Austin, Texas, in early 1980. He soon landed his dream job with the University of Texas. In 1992, Dean and Patti purchased property in Spicewood next to his brother David's place, and in 2000 they moved into the little Hill Country ranch home they always wanted there. He retired from UT in 2006.
Dean loved being a happy, and sometimes lazy, retiree and enjoyed many hobbies, including scale modeling, amateur radio, military history, stargazing, reading, music, beer and polka. He was known as the "genius" who could fix just about anything that ever broke, and it always brought a smile to his face whenever he could fiddle with something and make it work again. Although he was unable to serve in the military himself, he held a deep respect and gratitude for all veterans and current soldiers. He was a patriotic American who took great pride in his country always.
He was preceded in death by his father, Earl Kuhles, and his brothers, Danny and David Kuhles.
He is survived by his wife, Patti; his mother, Helen Delaney and stepfather, Gilbert Delaney; his brothers, Dennis, Doug, Don, and Darryl Kuhles; sisters, Jackie Clary and Debbie Tolone; and numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Services will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Compassus of Round Rock, TX, and the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas.