Obituary: Richard Arnold Kuntz
Richard Arnold Kuntz (March 10, 1928 – January 4, 2024)
TECUMSEH — Richard Arnold Kuntz (Dick), age 95, of Tecumseh, died peacefully at his home early Thursday morning, January 4, 2024, with his loving wife by his side. He was born at 6:13am on March 10, 1928, at the family home in Indianapolis, Ind., to the Reverend Werner H. and Litana C. (Messerli) Kuntz.
Dick graduated high school from St. John’s Academy in Winfield, Kan., in 1946. He studied to be a minister at Concordia College in Bronxville, N.Y., and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo., before ultimately obtaining his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Michigan State University in 1959. In 1952, Dick enlisted in the United States Air Force hoping to be a pilot but was ultimately diagnosed as color blind, which kept him from that. He still proudly served his country during the Korean conflict while stationed in the Philippine Islands and Okinawa. Returning stateside, Dick held status in the Army Reserves until receiving his Honorable Discharge in 1960.
An accomplished accountant, Dick was employed as the Accounting Manager at Double A Products in Manchester while also serving as the accountant for the Village of Manchester. Before retirement, Dick served the accounting needs for Kelly Distributing in Jackson. A faithful Christian all his life, Dick was a standing member of Hope Lutheran Church in Adrian. He enjoyed baseball, basketball, and football and was a proud MSU alumnus and avid Spartan fan, holding season tickets on the 45-yard line for over four decades. Dick was known for his quick wit and performed skits at the Black Sheep Theatre in Manchester. Musically talented, Dick expertly played the harmonica, spoons, and piano; very nearly pitch perfect, he secured second tenor position in the Concordia College a Capella Quartet and he served as the choir director for St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, Mich. After retiring, Dick and Judy were blessed with 10 years of safe travels around the country in their fifth-wheel RV, visiting all 50 states. Ultimately Dick and Judy settled in Tecumseh and were thankful for a strong church family, good friends, and Visiting Angels during Dick’s final days on Earth.
Surviving, in addition to his wife of nearly 40 years, Judith (Krueger), is a daughter, Kristianne Kuntz (Jeff Cupp) of Spencer, Ind.; a sister, Judy Franklin, of Chase, Mich.; a step-daughter, Cheryl L. (Mike T.) Slusher of Onsted, Mich.; a step-son, L. Christopher (Dale) Hazen, of Prescott, Ariz.; nieces and nephews Micah Franklin of Mich., Lisa (Mike) Wolf of Wis., Matt (Carolyn) Denison of Ariz., Steven (Karen) Denison of Okla., and Kilah King of Wash.; and two step-grandchildren, Sarah M. Slusher of Columbus, Ohio, and Michael T. Slusher Jr. of Onsted, Mich.
Dick was the oldest of six, preceded in death by both parents; infant brother, Daniel; sisters Oralyn, JoAnna, and Susan; and first wife, Lois Patenge.
Per Dick’s wishes, cremation will take place. Visitation will be held on Sunday afternoon, January 14, beginning at 12pm and concluding with Military Honors at 4pm at the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, 3050 W Beecher Rd, Adrian, MI 49221. A celebration of life service for Dick will be held on Monday, January 15, 2024, at 11am at Hope Lutheran Church, 5625 W US Hwy 223, Adrian, MI 49221, with Pastor Paul Herter officiating. The family will also receive friends for visitation on Monday morning at the church, from 10am until the service begins.
You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions are encouraged to be given to Hope Lutheran Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian. Burial to be held at a later date.
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