Dennis "DeOrr" Kunz was born on July 21, 1945, to Vernal DeOrr and Mary Mildred Smedley Kunz, in Montpelier, Idaho. He died on January 3, 2019 at his home in Montpelier, ID.
DeOrr was the oldest son of 5 children. He was raised most of his years in the Bear Lake Valley where he graduated from high school in 1963.
DeOrr was a very talented artist which led him to a career in automotive upholstery and bodywork. He took great pride in the work he did and the finished product was always impeccable.
DeOrr was a free spirit which provided him the opportunity to move around and share his talent with others. He met a lot of friends along the way. He had a heart of gold and would go out of his way to help others.
DeOrr's greatest love in life was his children and grandchildren. Each had a very special place in his heart.
DeOrr is survived by his children: Twins- Tanisha O'Neal (Ryan) Tompkins, Idaho Falls, ID and Vernal DeOrr Kunz of Montpelier, ID. Grandchildren: Rylynn O'Neal Tompkins, DeOrr Jay Kunz (missing), Bella May Kunz, and RJ Sherwood. Also surviving are his 4 siblings: Margo (Larry) Nate, SLC, Utah, Lonnie (Felicia) Kunz, Las Vegas, NV, Larry (Penny) Kunz, Logan, UT and Ricki (Jill) Kunz of Montpelier, ID.
DeOrr was preceded in death by his daughter Traci Kunz Sherwood, Sister-in-law LaRae Kunz, parents Vernal DeOrr and Mary Mildred Smedley Kunz, Paternal and Maternal grandparents and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at Schwab-Matthews Mortuary. Visitation is from 10-11:00. Service begins at 11:00am.
Reola Phelps (1963)
DeOrr was a free spirit and it was always fun to see him at the reunions. He will be missed and always sad to see a classrom pass on.
Renee Kunz (Wuska) (1963)
DeOrr was unforgettable—always smiling and laughing. He truly made his presence known!
I believe I first met DeOrr while attending the old junior high school in Montpelier. He always had pockets of candy that he would happily distribute to everyone around him!
DeOrr was a fun classmate who was not afraid to express his point of view throughout our school years!
Rest In Peace, DeOrr! You will be missed and always remembered.
Diane Price (Bateman) (1963)
What a character! I loved his cheerful attitude and he always made me laugh. Missed him at our 55-yr reunion, but didn't realize he had bee so ill. Rest in peace, DeOrr....Till we meet again. Diane (Price) Bateman
Gordon Bradley (1963)
When I read that Dennis Kunz had passed away, I had to stop and think. Oh, that is DeOrr. I never called him Dennis. We spent 12 years in school together.
At some point, while we were in High School, the group of us that spent a lot of time with DeOrr started to call him "Herk" . That nick name stuck.
DeOrr was so much fun, and a pleasure to call him a friend. And, yes, he was a "Free Spirit"!
Sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed.
My condolence to his family.