The Loyola High School community is mourning the loss of staff member Janie Kuhnmuench, beloved part of the Loyola family for over 20 years. Kuhnmuench passed away over the Christmas break. The lasting imprint she has made on so many can be seen through co-workers and students who remember Kuhnmuench as enthusiastic, friendly and passionate, embodying the values of the Loyola community.
Barbara Jamison, Administrative Assistant to the Principal, remarked, “Mrs. K was certainly the Woman for and with Others. There is a large void in me without her, as she enhanced my life with fun, laughter, and a deep friendship. Janie was one of a kind, not replaceable!”
Alumni Relations Manager Patrick Girardi ’99 said, “She had the extremely rare gift to make EVERYONE to whom she talked feel like they were the most important person in the room. Her enthusiasm, energy and overall pizazz were truly infectious and you always left a conversation with Janie better than when you started. She was a gift to have in your life and was a beacon of absolute positivity.”
Kuhnmuench was raised in Southern California and moved to Milwaukee after getting married. She then returned to Los Angeles, where her sons finished school and immediately gravitated to the Loyola campus.
Patricia Salvaty, sister-in-law and member of the Loyola Community Service team, said, “She quickly fell into the Loyola community. Loyola meant so much to her because of its spirit, service and faith. All things that were so meaningful to her.”
Kuhnmuench was a very active member of the Loyola community. She began working at Loyola as a registrar before transitioning to the Business and Advancement Office of Loyola. Finally, Kuhnmuench spent the past four years as a receptionist, greeting callers as the switchboard operator and welcoming visitors to Ruppert Hall.
Jamison said, “She was the voice of Loyola when answering the phones. She gave aid to any of the departments that needed some extra projects finished. She greeted our visitors as they came for appointments and always had a cheery greeting to everyone in our community.”
Beyond the workspace, Kuhnmuench loved her connection to the students and members of the school. She held an active role in Campus Ministry during her Loyola career and regularly led Kairos retreats where she was famous for her cookies.
Salvaty said, “She loved being a part of both the Student and Alumni/Parent communities. Janie was dedicated to her participation in Loyola’s Campus Ministry program, especially as a Kairos leader. Janie kept in contact with those members of the Loyola community who graduated, retired or moved on. They, too, were family.”
Jamison added, “Janie took any chance she could to get to know the students. She participated in the senior project groups that met with her in January. She was a great cheerleader at any of the sports games she attended, always being heard in the stands.”
Kuhnmuench was loved by all and will be missed by the Loyola community. The memories of Kuhnmuench are treasured by those that were touched by her and by her family.
Salvaty said, “She will be remembered for her love of family, especially her two sons and grandson, reading, the movies and television, music, dancing, eating out, girls’ weekends and for her inimitable sense of style! She left a positive imprint on all who came in contact with her and will be sorely missed.”
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