Lynn Kuluva was born in Kansas City on Dec. 6, 1942, to Harry and Phyllis Kuluva and died on Feb. 23.
Lynn attended Southwest High School, the University of Michigan, the University of Missouri and the University of California, Berkeley. Lynn was a true pioneer in computer technology, studying computer engineering at UC Berkeley at the dawn of the computer age, 1964 to 1966. After graduation and during the Vietnam War, he served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve, achieving the rank of first lieutenant.
After service, Lynn joined Booz Allen Applied Research as a research analyst. Subsequently, he served as a project manager for Computer Science Corporation and a project manager for Arthur Andersen & Co. In 1983, he joined his brother, Chuck, as co-owner and operator of the Kuluva’s Furniture and Appliance Stores. In 1991, he and Chuck co-founded Rental City, a furniture, appliance and electronics rental company. After the sale of the business, Lynn joined the faculty of Park University in the Computer Science Department, where he passed along his knowledge of information systems gained from decades of experience to countless aspiring computer professionals.
Lynn’s first love was always his family, consisting of his wife and best friend for over 60 years, Renee, his children and his grandchildren. He particularly enjoyed family vacations when the children were young, especially the long trips in the motor home when he could share with them the many wonders of America from coast to coast.
Lynn was a man of many interests and talents. He was an active and avid pilot for more than 50 years, holding a commercial pilot’s certificate. During that time, he served as a volunteer pilot for Angel Flight, enabling many patients to obtain needed medical treatment from out-of-town specialists. Lynn was also an active amateur radio operator for more than 60 years holding an Extra Class License. Through ham radio he made hundreds of friends throughout the Kansas City area, across the country and around the world. He was a regular tennis player throughout his adult life.
Lynn was actively involved in the community. He has served on the Boards of Directors of Kehilath Israel Synagogue, Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, The J and the Downtown Shareholders of Kansas City, Kansas. He led the effort to establish the Municipal Improvement District of Downtown Kansas City, Kansas, and served as chairman of its board for eight years. After surviving leukemia, Lynn became involved in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, serving as an ambassador and volunteer on the Society’s First Connection Network through which he counseled many newly diagnosed leukemia patients. Lynn also volunteered as a mentor with The Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship of the Henry W. Bloch School of management helping numerous aspiring entrepreneurs achieve their ambitions.
Lynn is survived by his beloved wife, Renee Kuluva; son, Mark Kuluva; son and daughter-in-law David and Kerry Kuluva; daughter and son-in-law Deborah Kuluva and Mark Rousso; daughter Leslie Kuluva and partner John Bacon; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and brother and sister-in-law Chuck and Arlyn Kuluva.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the charity of your choice.
Funeral services and burial were held on Feb. 25 at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
Online condolences for the family may be left at louismemorialchapel.com.