TRAVERSE CITY — William Albert Kunze, 85, of Traverse City, formerly of Elk Rapids and Wyandotte, passed away Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, at Grand Traverse Pavilions, with his family by his side. William was born on June 18, 1927, to the late Albert and Lillian (Bessey) Kunze in Wyandotte.
Following his graduation from high school he joined the United States Army and proudly served in Germany during World War II.
Bill moved to the Elk Rapids/Williamsburg area in 1968 with his wife, Betty Jo, and their family. Betty passed away after a brief illness in 1982, and he met and married the former Peggy Steffen. She passed away suddenly after a short marriage and Bill then entered into marriage with the former Ethel Lois Cox, of Traverse City. They celebrated their silver anniversary in June of this year.
Bill made his living in the lumber business and worked as a yard manager for Morrison Lumber up until the time of his retirement.
He and Ethel then wintered in Arizona for 14 years until his illness made it difficult for them to travel. Throughout his illness Bill would listen to the Talking Books for the Blind provided to him through the Traverse Area District Library. This is where he would like to direct any memorial contributions, as well as to the Grand Traverse Commission on Aging.
Bill is survived by his wife, Ethel Kunze, of Traverse City; two sons, David (Mary Sue) Kunze, of St. Ignace, and Robert Kunze, of Honolulu, Hawaii; his daughter, Lillian "Sue" Wilson, of Traverse City; stepchildren, John (Rene) Fraser, Sandra (Wayne) McKinley and Thomas (Pamela) Fraser; 14 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; as well as other loving family members and friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, George R. Kunze; his first wife, Betty Jo (Kemmis) Kunze; his second wife; Margareta "Peggy" (Steffen) Kunze; his grandson, Christopher Kunze; and a step granddaughter, Kari Hunt.
Cremation has taken place. Private family services will be held at a later date.
The family would like to thank all the staff at French Manor, Senior Assisted Living, Birchwood Nursing Center and Grand Traverse Pavilions for all the loving care Bill received while in their care.
The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
Archive: Sunday
William 'Bill' A. Kunze
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Oryana celebrates 40 years in business
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Leelanau Birding Festival runs May 29-June 2
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Editorial: Airport should give vets prominent recognition
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New TC manager earned his gray along the way
Jered Ottenwess described himself during his interview for Traverse City manager as soft-spoken, lacking years of experience and perhaps not the most charismatic person.
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St. Francis rolls to regional track crown
The St. Francis girls set two school records, won 10 events and qualified 10 to the state meet en route to capturing the 17-team Division 4 regional track title Saturday at Brethren.
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Chamber View: Multiple opportunities for learning
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Sand in his veins: Mountz has 38 years at Sleeping Bear
Tom Mountz is the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore’s longest-serving employee. He can’t think of one other place in the world he would rather work.
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Benzie extends track championship streaks
Benzie Central’s seniors kept their regional streaks intact Saturday at East Jordan.
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Letters to the Editor: 05/19/2013
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Kathy Gibbons: Time to say goodbye — once again
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Beach Bums fall in Joliet, 6-3
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Townships settle 12-year-old lawsuit with Cherryland
Three holdout local townships finally settled a drawn-out tax dispute with Cherryland Electric Cooperative prior to a full hearing before the Michigan Supreme Court.
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Forum: Clean energy, energy forums crucial
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Antrim officials make headway with meth convictions
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Jack Lessenberry: Pleasing voters not a priority
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Prep Sports Roundup: Trojans defend home diamond
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Benzie drug death leads to heroin charges
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Terry Wooten: One poem leads to another — and friendship
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Students recognized for math club performance
Thirty math-hungry East Middle School students recently made history. The group of seventh- and eighth-graders was the first at the school to achieve national gold level status for a club called MathCounts.
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Business Memoranda: 05/19/2013
Custer Workplace Interiors has added Emily Heilig to its northern Michigan sales team.
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Business in Brief: 05/19/2013
Become a contractor; Solar projec tbeing offered; MMC joins Spectrum. (Plus more)
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Births: 05/19/2013
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Local Sports Events: 05/19/2013
Golf outings and sports camps across northern Michigan:
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Building Permits: 05/19/2013
Building permits issued in Grand Traverse County:
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