Arlo Jay Kunz June 11, 1933 - September 24, 2023, Our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather, Arlo Jay Kunz, 90, passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his children on September 24, 2023.
Arlo was born June 11, 1933, to Reed Walter Kunz and Edith Poulsen, in Bern Idaho. He grew up with five brothers and one sister, Lynn, Dave, Clair, Jimmy, Allen, and Ann Johnson. Arlo attended elementary school in Bern and graduated from Montpelier High.
On July 26, 1952, he married the love of his life, Idell King. They made their home in Bern where they became proud parents to seven children, six daughters and one son.
Arlo worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for 43 years as a brakeman and a conductor. He also was proud to serve as Chairman of the Bear Lake County Commission for four years, where he helped lead the efforts for change. Such as the first garbage trucks for rural collection, the Bear Lake County Nursing Home, and implemented retirement benefits for many of the county road employees. He also enjoyed being a landlord for over 40 years.
Being raised on a farm, Arlo always had a love for the outdoors. He and Idell loved to take the children camping, on picnics, getting wood and picking huckleberries in the fall. He was an avid snow-mobiler and enjoyed hunting. More recently, you would find him helping his son Rick on his farm, where he enjoyed driving the tractor and tending to the calves.
Arlo loved to travel and went on many trips, cruises, and adventures with his family.
Arlo was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many capacities throughout his life.
Being widowed at 52, Dad was our rock, our home. His family meant everything to him, and he was the happiest when we were all together. You never ended a visit or a phone call without hearing, "Thanks for all you do... We love you".
Dad was very giving and known for his big heart. His legacy as a Father will forever be evident in the lives and spirit of his children and grandchildren.
Dad-your story is rich, full of meaning, purpose and love. May we all carry your name with all the dignity and respect you would desire. We love you and will miss you greatly.
Arlo is survived by children, Delene (Sid) Small, Cindy Lee Lyman, LaRae (Scott) Wright, Jackie Lin (Nick) Plummer, Rickie Jay (Brandi) Kunz and Melinda Leigh Wood; son-in-law, Neil McGill; 26 grandchildren; 58 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-granddaughter; brother, Allen Kunz; sister, Ann Johnson; brothers-in-law, DeVerl King and Benny Johnson; sisters-in-law, Tammy Kunz, Barbara King, and Colleen King.
He was preceded in death by his sweetheart, Idell; daughter, Vonda Jean McGill; son-in-law, Lance Wood; granddaughter Amanda Idell McGill; parents and brothers Lynn, Dave, Clair, and Jimmy.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 7th at 11:00am in the Bern Ward Chapel. A viewing will be held Friday from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Schwab-Matthews Mortuary, and again Saturday from 10:00am - 10:45am prior to the service in the Bern Ward building. Interment will be in the Bern Cemetery.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to all those that helped take care of, served, and loved him.