George A. Kuykendall
September 29, 1948 - December 30, 2025

George Albert Kuykendall, of Kalona, Iowa, passed away on December 30, 2025. He was born on September 29, 1948, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Jettie Lorene Harder and Ted Washington Kuykendall.

George is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Eva Kay Kuykendall; his sister Harriett Kuykendall of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his daughter, Amy Kuykendall of Eugene, Oregon; his stepson and daughter‑in‑law, Greg and Jana Hersch of Holmdel, New Jersey; and his grandchildren, Benjamin and Samuel.

He will be remembered as a man whose curiosity for the world never dimmed. A devoted bibliophile, he found joy and meaning in the pages of books, always eager to learn, reflect, and share a thoughtful recommendation.

An avid BMW motorcycle enthusiast, he embraced the open road with his best friends, traveling across the nation and collecting not just miles, but memories rooted in laughter, loyalty, and freedom. Wherever he went, his camera was never far. As a photographer, he had a quiet gift for capturing beauty in fleeting moments—landscapes, people, and everyday scenes made special through his lens.

George devoted his life to service and leadership in healthcare administration. His career began in his early years as a hospital corpsman in the United States Navy, an experience that shaped his lifelong commitment to patient care and organizational excellence. In 1983, he joined San Antonio Community Hospital, where he served in senior management roles before retiring in 2004 as President and Chief Executive Officer. His leadership left a lasting impact on the institution and on those who worked alongside him.

A devoted community leader, he served as President of the Board of Directors for the West End YMCA of Rancho Cucamonga, California, as well as a director of the Rancho Cucamonga Water District where his guidance and dedication made a lasting impact.

After his retirement, George found joy in his wood shop, where he especially loved turning wooden bowls—each one reflecting his patience, craftsmanship, and creativity.

George will be remembered for his steady leadership, quiet dedication, and the love he held for his family and friends. His was a life well-lived, for which he will be deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held in the spring of 2026 in Kalona, Iowa. Details will be shared at a later date.

Woolley Boglioli Funeral Home
Julie Steele Light a candle
Light a Candle
Flowers & Gifts

Purchase Flowers & Gifts

George Albert Kuykendall, of Kalona, Iowa, passed away on December 30, 2025. He was born on September 29, 1948, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Jettie Lorene Harder and Ted Washington Kuykendall. George is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Eva Kay Kuykendall; his sister Harriett Kuykendall of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his daughter, Amy Kuykendall of …
Read More

Continue Reading
See Condolences
Patricia Hoffman left a message on May 22, 2026:
I worked with George at San Antonio Community Hospital from 1985 to 1989 and we'd spoken just before he left for New Jersey for the holidays. We shared a similar sense of humor, a distaste with politics, and I suppose a bit of cynicism. He taught me to be a better writer, sending back whatever I'd written with red pen edits and the admonishment to stop using the passive voice. I will miss his quiet counsel and his friendship. My sincere condolences to his family.
Sharlee J. Van Orden left a message on May 15, 2026:
My “Wild Turkey Day” buggy is gone. I knew George when he was an administrative intern at St. Luke’s Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona , oh so many years ago. He was a steadfast and loyal friend. Kind and generous and so happy with his life. I will truly miss him
Peggy King left a message on February 21, 2026:
GAK: Brilliant in so many ways This love mattered. It didn’t survive time or circumstances, but it lived fully while it was there. I’m honoring it, not because it was perfect, but because it was honest. Although our story changed shape, he gave me the most beautiful and brightest gift I will ever know…my daughter, Amy. He lives on in her—in the way she thinks, in her stubborn hopefulness, in her quiet strength. She carries him forward in ways words can’t explain. Whatever else faded, his mannerisms go on. I see his best parts, made new. And for her, I will always be grateful. Rest in peace, George. Peggy
Julie Steele left a message on February 16, 2026:
In memory of George A. Kuykendall, Julie Steele lit a candle
Lynn Kelly left a message on January 27, 2026:
Shortly after I was hired at SACH as their VPHR I realized why the hospital had the reputation it did for a wonderful culture to be a part of. George created that culture through consistently showing us how much he cared about the employees and the patients we served. Shortly after I started I asked if I could join him and the VP of nursing on Halloween rounds to the staff, Dressed in costumes we gave out treats to all of the shifts. I helped carry on that tradition with future executive teams. He donated his vacation time to staff who needed it, insured the hospital was sparkling clean and the food good. He promoted people based on their character,, not their resume. All of it contributed to making SACH a special place
Woolley Boglioli Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
Show More