E.C. "Bud" Kunz

E.C. "Bud" Kunz

Edward Carl "Bud" Kunz, age 90,  of  Stuart, passed away Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012, at Parkside Manor in Stuart.

Visitation was held from 3-8 p.m. with a 7 p.m. wake service followed by a KC rosary on Wednesday evening, Feb. 15, 2012, at the Seger Funeral Home in Stuart.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012, at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Stuart with Father Luke Steffes officiating. Music was provided by organist, Deb Kaup and singers, Brett, Jordan, Taylor and Caitlin Kunz.

Pallbearers were his grandsons, Chad and Ryan Pokorny, Kory, Matt, and John Kramer, and Brett and Jordan Kunz.

Honorary pallbearers were all of Bud's remaining grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Burial was at the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery in Stuart with military graveside rites conducted by the Stuart American Legion Post.

Seger Funeral Home in Atkinson was in charge of arrangements.

Bud was born on April 28, 1921, in Stuart, to Donat and Emma (Pettinger) Kunz, the youngest of 10 children. He attended Stuart Public High School and graduated in 1939.

He then served in World War II as a gunner in the Army Air Corps for four years. He enlisted on May 27, 1943 and was discharged  on Nov. 15, 1945.

After returning from the service, he married Mary (Kohle) Kunz on Oct. 29, 1947, in Stuart. Bud and Mary remained in Stuart to raise their children.  He established a main street business in retail, hardware, furniture, and carpet for 65 years in Stuart. 

With his many years of living in Stuart,  he was an amazing example of stewardship to his family, community, church, and country. 

Bud  was involved and was a leader in many organizations including the  American Legion, Stuart Park Board, Stuart races, Knights of Columbus, Stuart Public School Board, town board, rest home board, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church. 

He enjoyed and supported thoroughly all the sporting events in local towns, Nebraska Cornhuskers and Stuart Broncos. Bud was always so personable, generous and helpful to all he met.

Bud is survived  by his wife, Mary of Stuart; five children: Dan and Jan (Kunz) Kramer of Atkinson, Randy and Sue (Kunz) Pokorny of Winner, SD, Kathy (Kunz) Friedrich of Norfolk, John and Sandra (Kunz) Kramer, and Bob and Kathy Kunz, all of Stuart; 15 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; a brother, Bert Kunz of Lincoln, and a sister, Florence Flannigan of North Platte.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and four brothers.

E.C. "Bud" Kunz will always be remembered as a great husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, uncle, and a friend who participated in life fully. The family will forever be grateful for all the memories he has brought to their lives.