Leslie Richard Kuhnert

	Leslie Richard 'Les' Kuhnert, age 82, of Pinckneyville, died at 7:52 p.m. on Wednesday, September 3, 2003 at his residence.
	He was born April 9, 1921 in Pinckneyville, a son of August and Elizabeth (Loos) Kuhnert.  He married Iola Mae Rushing on June 28, 1946 in Pinckneyville and she survives.  Leslie worked as a coal miner for Arch of Illinois.  He was a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army during World War II.  He was a member of the Beaucoup Baptist Church of Pinckneyville and the UMWA.
	Les found great enjoyment in hunting, fishing and gardening.  In addition to serving his Lord, Les was dedicated to his wife, children and grandchildren.
	Survivors include his wife, Iola Mae Kuhnert of Pinckneyville; four children Elizabeth Ellen 'Beth' Elam and husband Darrell of Norris City, Donna Sue Hicks and husband Dave of Pinckneyville, Richard Leslie 'Rick' Kuhnert and wife Marsha of Pinckneyville, Linda Mae Beck and husband Rob of Belleville; one sister, Augusta Lacy of Pinckneyville and 15 grandchildren, Jason and Chad Elam, Darla, Dirk and wife Danielle and Darin Hicks, Emily and Craig Kuhnert, Ericka, Kevin, BJ, Lindsay, Rebecca, David, Suzannah and Timothy Beck.
	He was preceded in death by his parents, seven brothers, three sisters and one granddaughter, Ashley.
	Funeral services were held at the Beaucoup Baptist Church in Pinckneyville at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 6 with Brother Randy Plunkett officiating.  Interment was in Mueller Hill Cemetery in Pinckneyville.
	Friends called at the Pyatt-Harrawood Funeral Home on Friday, September 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 to 10 a.m. and then at the church from 1 p.m. until time of services.
	Memorials may be made to the Luke Memorial Hospice or the American Cancer Society.
