Donald Kunze
Donald Kunze, age 90, passed away at his home surrounded by family on February 8, 2025. He was born on March 22, 1934, in Abbotsford, the son m
of Albert Sr. and Loretta (Ohlinger) Kunze. Donald attended Riverside School and St. Mary’s School and from a young age he began working on the family farm. He married Lucianne Pupp on June 5, 1957, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church and together they W
lovingly raised 11 children.
His early work included hauling cattle for Morris Gierl, driving milk truck, driving school bus and digging graves until he was able to purchase his own dairy farm two miles east of Colby, which he worked tirelessly until he retired in 1997. He then went to work for Harmony Co-op and the township of Hull for many years.
Donald was a lifelong member of St. Mary Help of Christians Parish, serving on various committees and events. As Chief Ranger of Catholic Order of Foresters St Kilian Court, he initiated and organized the St. Mary’s auction held each year during the Fall Festival. Within the farming community he served many years on the Equity board. He will be most remembered for his deep love of family, as a man of quiet faith, dedication to farm-life, and always willing to lend a hand to his children whenever needed.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lucianne; 11 children: Steven (Karen) Kunze, Paul (Cheryl) Kunze, Thomas (Ruth) Kunze, Ann (Dan) Ewer, Philip (Tammy) Kunze, Susan (Kelly) Pierce, Theresa (Dave) Kreklau, Richard (Janet) Kunze, Barbara (David) Mundt, Bruce Kunze and Sister Christine Kunze; 39 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren and one sister, Mary Weiler. He was preceded in death by his parents: Albert Sr. and Loretta Kunze; two brothers: Anthony Kunze and Albert Kunze Jr; and two grandchildren: Benjamin and Justin Kunze.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, at St. Mary Help of Christians Parish in Colby. Father Keith Kitzhaber and Father Matheus Ro, SVD will preside. Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome from 10 a.m. until the time of service Saturday at the church. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Colby is entrusted with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary Help of Christians Parish.
Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.
http://www.maurinaschilling.com
Paid obituary 164658
