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James Peter Huels

James Peter Huels

James Peter Huels, 69, of Dunkirk died unexpectedly Wednesday morning (Oct. 3, 2018) at his home. He was born Nov. 15, 1948 in Dunkirk, the son of the late Robert and Agnes A. (Grzeskowiak) Huels. A lifelong Dunkirk resident, James was a graduate of Dunkirk High

School, Class of 1966. He served with the U.S. Army’s Troop F: 2nd Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry in Bamberg, Germany, attaining the rank of Specialist 4th Class. His tour of

duty included the Republic of Vietnam, Cha Rang Valley Maintenance Complex

and the 528th Light Maintenance Company. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and

the Vietnam Service Medal – VNCM w/dev 60, I O/S Bar. James had been employed for 35 years by the City of Dunkirk as an operator/laborer in the Wastewater Treatment Plant, retiring in 2008.

He was a member of Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church and John T. Murray VFW Post #1017. A classic car enthusiast, he treasured his 1969 American Motors AMX and was a member of

the American Motors Owners Association. Known for his Jack-of-all-trades skills when it

came to his children and grandchildren, James was adept at plowing driveways, fixing broken household items and toys and helping his granddaughter with her soap box derby car, to

name just a few. He lived his life quietly, working for the ones he loved. Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Cheryl (Rodriguez) Huels, whom he married Aug. 28, 1976; three children, James (Julie) Huels and Kari Huels, both of Dunkirk, and Kristy (James) Huels-LaValle of

Silver Creek; five beloved grandchildren, Kyler Huels, Brody and Declan Huels, and Brielle and Ava LaValle. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated Monday morning at 10 o’clock in Holy Trinity Church. Military Honors will be accorded by the Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council Honor Guard. There will be no prior visitation. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude

Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements are by the

McGraw-Kowal Funeral

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