John Danowsky Kuhns, 75, the “Mayor of Kuhnsville,” died Dec. 4, 2016, at home.

He and his wife, Carol J. (Hersh) Kuhns, would have been married for 57 years Christmas Eve.

Born in Kuhnsville, he was the son of the late Willis B. and Leah R. (Guth) Kuhns.

A 1959 graduate of Parkland High School and a quarterback on the football team, he was a longtime member of the Trojan Alumni Varsity Club.

He was a general contractor in the Lehigh Valley and in 1988, along with his wife Carol, he built the Kuhnsville Car Wash.

A member of Jordan Lutheran Church, Orefield, he renovated the church barn and was instrumental in creating the Memorial Garden there.

He was one of the first Eagle Scouts with Troop 72, Fogelsville.

“Big John,” as he was known was a home-run hitter with Agway softball, and was a founding member, past president, and a late trustee of Upper Macungie Township Station 56.

He honorably and faithfully served in the U.S. Army in the 82nd Airborne from 1959-62.

He was very active in the Korea/Vietnam Memorial at Lehigh Carbon Community College’s Armed Forces Plaza, and was a strong supporter of all veterans.

A builder of more than 60 doll houses and many birdhouses, he built the best tree house for his children.

He restored antique weather vanes, was endearingly called the “Pinochle King” and loved his deer hunting days at Dushore.

The “Mayor of Kuhnsville” has moved on to a new locale.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Jon Kuhns (Karen); daughters Jill Kuhns (Joe Overton), Jennifer Emanuello, and Maria VanderHorn (Doug); brothers Willis (Carol) and Larry (Marianne); sisters Kate Herrington (Nevis) and Elizabeth Clark (Steve Watsula); more than 13 beloved grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister Nancy McClendon.

His memorial service will be 11 a.m. Dec. 10 at Jordan Lutheran Church, 5103 Snowdrift Road, Orefield, with the Rev. Guy R. Grube officiating.

Interment and a short military tribute will follow at Jordan Memorial Garden.

The family will greet friends and relatives at a luncheon following the services.

Friends and family may also gather with Carol and her family at “John and Carol’s Barnhouse” 5-8 p.m. Saturday.

Condolences may be offered to the family at kellerfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Korea/Vietnam Memorial Inc., P.O. Box 123, Fogelsville, PA 18051

Arrangements made by Keller Funeral Homes Inc., Fogelsville.