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Lana made it her mission to make Kewaskum a better place and she did.

Lana Harbeck Kuehl, age 76, of Kewaskum, passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at home after fighting COPD for over a decade.

She was born on August 4, 1949 in Kewaskum, the third daughter of William and Marcella (Heisler) Harbeck. Lana lived her entire life in Kewaskum, a community she loved and always wanted to make better. She was a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, attended Holy Trinity Grade School and Kewaskum High School where she was prom queen for her Junior Prom.

On September 9, 1977 she married her high school sweetheart Dennis Kuehl at Holy Trinity Church, Kewaskum. The two had three sons, Andrew (Nicole), Dustin (Becky) and Ross. Dennis predeceased her in 2014.

After graduating from Kewaskum High School, Lana became the third generation to become involved in the family business, The Kewaskum Statesman Weekly Newspaper. During this time Lana played a large role in advancing the layout and printing of the newspaper going from Linotype to an electronic Compugraphic system and ceasing in-house printing operations in the early 1980’s. In 1987, she took the reins from her parents and became owner and publisher. Lana enjoyed her team of Cheryl, Gerry, Sharon (Mutz), Linda (Tilly) and her mother Marcie who always tried to keep these girls’ shenanigans to a minimum. Shortly after becoming publisher Lana oversaw another huge change in the industry, switching from using the Compugraphic to Apple computers. In 2008 she retired and sold the newspaper to her son Andrew and his wife.

While meeting the weekly deadline of the newspaper, and being a mother, Lana found time to play an active role in The Kewaskum Area Chamber of Commerce (KACC) serving as President of the organization for a number of years. It was during this time, Lana started an annual fall festival called Kettle Kountry Kolors that was sponsored by KACC. The festival became a huge success and was held annually for over a decade with Lana chairing the event. With that success, Lana decided it was time for Kewaskum to have its own Christmas Parade. She once again convinced her fellow members of the KACC to sponsor this event as well and the parade is held annually to this day. Lana also assisted in tourism efforts for Kewaskum seeing the incredible opportunities the community had and with other members started The Northern Kettle Moraine Tourism Council.

Through the newspaper and the chamber, Lana made it her mission to make Kewaskum a better place and she did. After stepping aside from that mission Lana started what was likely her favorite chapter, grandparenting!

Lana proudly welcomed her first grandson Hunter Kuehl in 2001. Joining the ranks awhile after were Riley, Nora, twins Mason and Maisie, Connor and Mylee. Lana was most happy when she was spending time with them and other members of her family.

Lana is further survived by her sister and best friend Sheri Baldikowski, brothers and sisters-in-law, Alan “Moochie” (Cheryl) Kuehl, Joanne (Bob) Manthei and Mark Kuehl, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Lana was preceded in death by her parents, sister Carole (Henry) Timblin, brother in law Donald Baldikowski and her father and mother-in-law Roger and Ruth Kuehl.

Visitation will take place at Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home, 215 Forest Ave, Kewaskum on Tuesday, August 4 (Lana’s 77th birthday) from 4 - 6 p.m. A memorial mass will take place at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 331 Main St., Kewaskum, on August 5 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Mark Jones officiating. A private burial will follow at Salem United Church of Christ.

The Myrhum – Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Lana’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.