Alex J. Kuhn was the youngest son of Mark and Denise Kuhn. He graduated from Charles City High School in 2000, and earned his Bachelor’s degree at Iowa State University in 2004 with a major in education and a minor in political science. Alex moved to Houston, Texas where he student taught. In 2005, he moved back to the Kuhn family farm to help finish harvest and assist with his father’s recovery after Mark was injured in a serious farming accident.
Alex served as his father’s clerk in the Iowa House of Representatives in 2006 where the pair led the effort to make the Iowa State Capitol safe for people with disabilities after the father and son duo were stranded in the Capitol during a false fire alarm. Alex served as an administrative assistant to United States Senator Tom Harkin in Des Moines and he became the statewide mobile van director hearing from citizens across Iowa.
Alex then moved to Mason City where he taught as a long term substitute teacher for the Mason City Community School District. He worked as a community organizer for the United Way of North Central Iowa. His volunteer activity included work for Habitat for Humanity of North Iowa.
In 2011, Alex began his career with Henkel Construction Company as their business development specialist. He was part owner/operator of the Kuhn family farm near Charles City and was instrumental in the creation of the All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club.
Alex was elected as an At-Large member of the Mason City Council in 2011 and re-elected in 2015. He also served as Mayor Pro-Tem. His elected public service was guided by his integrity, courage and commitment to all the citizens of Mason City.
Alex’s two sons, Rylan and Collan, were his highest priority and the source of his greatest joy. He served as a coach for their football and baseball teams, and also the Mason City Bulls traveling basketball team.
One of Alex’s passions was reading to students at Jefferson Elementary School every Friday. A sculpture of Alex reading to his sons Rylan and Collan entitled “Today’s readers are tomorrow’s leaders,” is located near the Mason City Public Library.
Mason Kuhn of the All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club Foundation presents a $2,000 check for books to Charles City elementary school students, and Evan Martin, Charles City Community School District director of finance.
"We feel so blessed that we have community partners like the Mark and Denise Kuhn family who take a love for our kids and our community," said Mike Fisher, Charles City Superintendent of Schools.
Alex Kuhn is pictured reading to Jefferson Elementary School students in Mason City. “One of the missions of the All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club Foundation is funding kids reading programs in area schools,” said Alex’s father Mark, “ because it benefits a cause that was close to Alex’s heart.”
After Alex passed in 2016, the Kuhn family decided to dedicate the court in Alex's memory, naming it the Alex J. Kuhn Court of Dreams. Part of their healing process was a total renovation of the court and changing it to perennial ryegrass, the grass of choice used at Wimbledon.
The change was something Alex wanted to do after visiting the All England Lawn Tennis Club with Mark in 2015 for The Championships. Mark described the renovation process as cathartic, noting "This rebirth will serve as a reminder that hope is a word with living and life is ever-lasting."
Beginning in 2017 and every year since, the Kuhn family has hosted the Alex J. Kuhn Memorial Invitational. The event pits teams of boys and girls ages 12 through 18 from Iowa versus teams from neighboring states. While the competition is intense with the winning state taking home the traveling team trophy, everyone is a winner at this fun-filled day of tennis, food and festivities.
At the conclusion of play, coaches from each team and the chair umpire chose players who display an outstanding act of good sportsmanship. Those players are recipients of the Sterling Lord Sportsmanship Award, named after the famous New York City literary agent. Sterling Lord hailed from Burlington, Iowa and was the Iowa Boys State Singles Champion in 1937 and 1938. Sterling was a friend of the Kuhn family.
“Alex J. Kuhn touched everyone as a reader to children, youth coach, volunteer and elected official. He was a beloved community leader whose dedication to Mason City was surpassed only by his love for his two sons. May his legacy of civility, integrity and leadership shine on until tomorrow.” - Bobbie Carlyle, Sculptor, Today's Readers are Tomorrow's Leaders
“Alex was a star that shone brightly among us for too short a period of time. He stood tall for every person who needed help, a project, an idea. Whenever you met him, you just felt better for having seen him. He was a father, a leader, a servant and a friend.” - Amanda Ragan, Iowa State Senator
“Let our tears water our growth with compassion and with the understanding that a tranquil outer appearance may mask torment of the soul. Let what Alex stood for live on in us. We can do no less in keeping his life and meaning alive.” - Tom Harkin, United States Senator
“Sustaining the court for future generations to enjoy and preserving Alex's memory has created a purpose for me. Because I'm keeping Alex's legacy of leadership and civility alive, too. It's a good way to move on, and it's the only way that works for me.” – Mark Kuhn, All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club
"With tender heart, kindness and a beautiful smile, Alex touched everyone as a devoted father, respected community leader and a man of utmost integrity."
– Denise Kuhn, All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club
