In Memoriam
Friedrich Hugo Kukelhaus (1934 – 2024)
Friedrich Hugo Kukelhaus, beloved husband, father, grandfather, adventurer, and global citizen, passed away peacefully at his Rockville, Maryland home on May 30, 2024. Affectionately known as “Lumpel” and born in Caputh, Germany (1934) to Emilie Scharpenack and Hugo Kükelhaus, Friedrich’s life embodied resilience, curiosity, and a love for family and the world.
A Well-Traveled Life
Friedrich’s childhood was shaped by World War II. He not only survived war-torn Germany but helped his mother and sister during his father’s forced service in the Third Reich and later during his clandestine support of the German resistance. This experience instilled in him a deep appreciation for peace and respect for other cultures. During his life, Friedrich explored and worked in dozens of countries, including meeting his beloved wife Laura in Mexico. A true “citizen of the world,” Friedrich spoke German, English, Spanish, and Portuguese. He possessed a unique blend of skills – he could cook a traditional Mexican dish of octopus and chili, build a computer from scratch, and discuss the economic and political climate of almost any country. His favorite food was vanilla ice cream, having tried it for the first time shortly after the end of the War.
A Rich Life Devoted to Family
Friedrich’s professional career was as rich and varied as his travels. After graduating high school from the prestigious
Archigymnasium in Soest, Germany (1954), he studied mechanical engineering at the Technical University of Aachen (1956) before transferring to the Technical University of Munich, where he earned degrees in mechanical engineering (1962) and industrial engineering (1964). While in Munich, he developed his lifelong love of jazz and big band music, even attending performances by future-famous American GIs like Miles Davis. Following his studies, he traveled and worked in Central America before overseeing Cordemex, a state-sponsored sisal fiber production project in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. He continued his engineering career at Volkswagen in Mexico (1972) becoming the deputy to the CEO and marrying Laura in (1977). In (1982) Friedrich took a position as an investment officer with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) division of the World Bank in Washington DC and with his family, immigrated to the United States. The IFC’s mission to promote development in emerging economies deeply resonated with Friedrich’s values. In 1996, he founded Access Consulting, an economic development consultancy focused on Brazil, where he served as the managing director for many years.
Coming from a family of intellectuals, Friedrich held a deep respect for education and the arts. His life-long motto was on the importance of “achieving one’s potential.” He and his beloved wife of forty-six years, Laura, prioritized giving their children a quality education and a moral compass. Friedrich’s pride in his family was immense. Above all, he cherished his work and his role as a husband, father, and provider.
Remembering Friedrich
Friedrich is survived by his wife, Laura, their four adult children – Monica, Anna, Frederick, and Christina, seven grandchildren and sister Barbara Vogel. Friedrich will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, love for people, unwavering integrity, and dedication to his family. In honor of his love for nature and in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Nature Conservancy to support reforestation and environmental protection efforts in the Appalachian Mountains near his Washington D.C. home.
Submitted by Laura Kukelhaus (spouse)
