Michael Edward Kuhn
May 29, 1983 - January 20, 2026

Michael Kuhn passed away on January 20, 2026. He was born in Ukiah, but grew up in San Diego. Michael eventually made Eureka his home.

Michael was a wild child at heart. He loved a good time, a good meal, and a good laugh. Mike was known for his passionate and fearless spirit — traits that, in his youth, led to more than a few broken bones, brawls and a lifetime of stories. His favorite childhood pastimes included listening to music, hanging out with his best friend Ashley, basketball and riding bikes all throughout San Diego. Whatever Mike did, he became very skilled at, especially in creative endeavors that came so naturally to him. Michael had many dualities in his life, sweet and fierce, creative and precise, gentle and bold. Later in life, his inherent traits of loyalty, integrity and excellence would serve him well in his military pursuits.

He proudly served in the United States Army for twelve years, from 2005 to 2017, specializing as a Mortarman. His military training included the Alaska Arctic Wolves Program and traveling to the Philippines to train the Philippine Army. He was specially trained to fight in both Arctic and jungle conditions. He was deployed twice to Iraq, once with the 4th Infantry Division and once with the 1st Cavalry Division. He also deployed to Afghanistan with the 25th Infantry Division. By the time of his third tour, he was a staff sergeant. Mike’s leadership skills were undeniable. He got many awards and commendations for his ability to execute and lead. Mike’s proudest leadership accomplishment was that on his last deployment to Combat Outpost Baylough, every one of his soldiers returned home with him.

After his military career, Mike continued to work in public service. He enlisted with the National Reserve and worked with Cal Fire Emergency Operations. His last public service role brought him to Humboldt County, where he served as a recruiter before his honorable discharge. He had other occupations throughout his life, including Veteran student resource coordinator, muffin man, statistics tutor, Twitch streamer, and digital artist. However, the best role and responsibility Mike would ever have would be that of a father. Mike was a proud stay-at-home Dad to his son, Phoenix James Naakedvn Kuhn. He never shied away from any part of parenting and was so proud of his son, Phoenix.

A deeply creative and sensitive soul, Michael loved painting and drawing and pursued this passion by majoring in Art at the College of the Redwoods. He spent his time at home with his family and playing his favorite video game, EVE. His talents in EVE were evident in the large community he created on his Twitch streaming channel. In New Eden, Michael was a highly respected pilot, well-known and at times dreaded for his aggressive gameplay. Mike enjoyed participating in fleets and tournaments with his in-game friends.

He is preceded in death by his birth mother, Karen Kennedy, and his grandparents, Jim and Dorris Cooley.

Michael is survived by his wife Cara, and son, Phoenix; his twin brother Mark Kuhn (Terry); brother Ryan Cooley; his mother, Tammy Cooley-Kuhn; his sister-in-law Nancy Nowlin; his best friend Ashley Ibarra (Dion); his father Chuck Kuhn; and his birth father, Mark Kennedy; and his sisters, Ashley Kennedy and Megan Kinro. Mike also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, whom he enjoyed watching grow. Michael will be deeply missed by those who loved him. To Infinity and Beyond.

A celebration of Michael’s Life will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Arcata Vets’ Hall at 2 p.m. A private family interment will take place at a later date. Arrangements were handled by Gobles Fortuna Mortuary.

The family would like to thank all those who have sent their condolences and support to his family. A special thank you to the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation and the Yurok Tribe Headstart for their support of the family during this challenging time.