Donald J. Kuntz

Donald Kuntz, age 86 of Glenwood died peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at the Glenwood Retirement Village. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 12, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glenwood with Father Joe Vandeberg officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, with a rosary starting at 4:30 p.m. followed by visitation from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home in Glenwood. Visitation will also continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be at a later date at the Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery in Preston, MN.  Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood.

Donald Jerome Kuntz was born on June 19, 1937, in Ada, Minnesota, to Alex and Eva (Schela) Kuntz.  Don's early life in Ada was the beginning of a journey that would take him across the world. His father, an apprentice baker, moved the family to Sebeka, Minnesota, where they ran the Sebeka Bakery. Don's strong faith was fostered at St. Huberts Catholic Church in Bluegrass, where he received his sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation. After graduating from Sebeka High School in 1955, Don joined the U.S. Navy, setting him on a path of service and adventure. He spent 6 weeks in Boot Camp at Great Lakes Naval Air Station, near Chicago. From there, Don was sent to Norfolk, Virginia for air crew training as a Naval Aviation Technician. Blackbush Airfield in Hamsphire, England was his next stop. This launched him into a career in aviation as part of a crew crisscrossing post war Europe; shuttling dignitaries in Europe and the Middle East. Among his passengers was the Hungarian born Dr. Edward Teller, father of the H Bomb.

In the fall of 1959, while on leave, Don met the love of his life, Mary Ament, daughter of Henry and Clara (Schmiesing) Ament. The couple married in the spring of 1960 and embarked on a life filled with love and commitment. Don joined the crew at NAS Twin Cities, where he was an instructor in Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW).This would be the field of expertise that would follow him to retirement. He acquired the rank of E9-One of only 2 openings in ASW. In 1964, he attended Electronic Training at NAS Memphis. In 1965 he transferred to NAS South Wemouth, Massachusetts. Four children were now “on board”--two sons and two daughters. From the East Coast to the West Coast; a transfer to NAS Alameda, California brought another new experience for the family of 6. Last move was to NAS Moffit Field, Sunnyvale, California.

Retirement from the Navy in 1975 brought the family back to their roots in Minnesota. They couldn't resist the beauty of Lake Minnewaska as they came over the hill into Glenwood. In short order, they found a realtor and bought a beautiful home on the Lake. Don and Mary renovated that home and eventually he started an Insulation Business, with the help of the kids and Larry and Steve Martin. A Hobby Farm came for sale and fit the needs of the business and provided family fun. The whole family was involved in building an in ground swimming pool (because “if you can read, you can do anything.”) The pool became a teenage hangout in the summer and eventually bringing their families where all the Grandkids learned to swim; under Grandpa's instruction. “From early morn to setting sun” they swam. He taught them all to drive the Four-wheeler and they got official licenses when they could drive the hilly woods without hitting a tree. Don had a reputation for fixing just about anything; so he was busy helping others with their projects. It was never just about the projects, it was about making one feel good about themselves for now having accomplished a difficult task. The Kuntz family home on Hwy 104 was a testament to Don's hard work and creativity, standing as a symbol of the life he built over 40 years. It was a place where laughter was abundant, lessons were learned, and memories were made. Don was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glenwood where his faith flourished.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary, and their four children: Dan and Pam Kuntz, Rich and Rochelle Shirk, Rick and Dana Kuntz, and Jill and Felix Aguayo. His teachings and humor live on through his grandchildren, Michaela (Ryan) Hackey, Joe Shirk, Abbey (Joe) Hauge, Sara Kuntz, Alex Kuntz, Sofia, and Felix Aguayo, as well as his great-grandchildren, Gia and Smith Hackey. His brother, Robert Kuntz, and sisters, Marlene Bertrang and Kathy Wellman, also survive him.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Dalores Kern.

As we reflect on Don's life, we are reminded of the impact one person can have on so many. His service to his country, his steadfast love for his family, and his contributions to his community will not be forgotten. Donald Jerome Kuntz lived a life full of purpose and joy, leaving behind a legacy of love and the enduring respect of all who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to inspire those who were touched by his remarkable life.

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