Church Music Support is co-owned by Duane (Dewey) Kuhn and Catherine (Cathy) Zillmann. The idea for our company developed when we realized together we have the knowledge and resources of over 110 years experience to help churches, educational institutions and individuals make the right decisions.
In addition, we have connected with highly respected musicians to be independent associates which include: concert & dedication organists, music arrangers, organ technicians, music clinicians and more.
Dewey grew up in Red Wing MN, home of the Red Wing Shoe Company and the Red Wing Pottery Company. His interest in music was created by his grandmother who served as organist & choir director at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Red Wing. Interest in the organ began when his parents purchased a Hammond Organ from Everett & Harold Edstrom and Rodger Busdicker who founded Hal Leonard Publishing Company in the basement of their Hammond Organ Studio, presently the world’s largest publishing company.
Dewey’s first organ teacher was Rose Morley who served as organist at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and theatre organist at the now historic T.B. Sheldon Auditorium in Red Wing, MN.
Having worked for Hammond Organ Studios, Baldwin Piano & Organ Company, The Wurlitzer Company, Church Organ Systems, Rodgers Instruments Corporation, and created the organ division at The Verdin Company, Dewey has an abundance of organ knowledge and experience.
Personally, Dewey is married to Julie, who together have 4 children, 6 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild and another on the way. Both Dewey and Julie love to travel and yearly, vacation in northern Minnesota over the 4th of July!
Cathy grew up in the small town of Baldwin, WI, known then as “The Biggest Little Town in Wisconsin.” Starting piano lessons while in 3rd grade, she switched to organ when her church, Gethsemane Lutheran, needed an organist.
She obtained her teaching degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in music and math while raising two children. For a short time, she taught math at the Chippewa Valley Technical College at River Falls and worked summer music conventions for the Baldwin Piano & Organ Company, Church Organ Systems, and The Wurlitzer Company.
When Church Organ Systems was purchased by Duane Kuhn and moved to Baldwin WI, Cathy worked in advertising and created & maintained the company website. She has also worked for the Rodgers Instruments Corporation and The Verdin Company before retiring and becoming a partner with Dewey in our Church Music Support venture.
Personally, Cathy has known Dewey for 58 years as he is married to her sister, Julie. She also has a daughter, one granddaughter and a cute little TeddyBear dog named Miss Jazmyn.
As you may have ascertained, neither one of us is a spring chicken but both have a passion for music. Within our company, Dewey is the salesman, organ expert and music arranger while Cathy takes care of the finances, the website and all things computer!
If you have a question for either of us, please, ask away!! You can contact Church Music Support via email at dkuhnmusic@gmail.com or call 503-442-4580.