Marlene Shirley Stevens Kunz, our precious angel mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, returned peacefully to her Father in Heaven on July 28, 2025.
She was born April 8, 1935, to Merlin and Maud Stevens and married Paul Kunz on June 20, 1952, in the Logan Temple. She recently celebrated her 90th birthday and 73rd wedding anniversary.
As a teenager, Marlene played a "mean clarinet" and participated in musical activities with bands and choirs, directed by a cherished teacher, Wesley Baker. She graduated in 1953 from Montpelier High School.Throughout her life, she implemented that love of music in her children's lives as well, and she shared her many talents with the community, singing often with Ruth Kay Anderson and the Chordbusters. This was a highlight for her. Her children were blessed to grow up in a home filled with music, as she was constantly preparing for a trio or duet for a funeral or church event. She was blessed with a beautiful voice and found joy in sharing it with others.
Her posterity knows her as an "Angel" who gave a life of service. As a young wife and mother, she spent endless hours running her household and helping her husband manage the farm. She gave countless hours in her church callings in both ward and stake leadership positions.
She served the community for many years as a nurse assistant for Dr. Paul Daines. Marlene was noted for her optimistic, friendly personality. People often mentioned that they loved going to the doctor's office just for the happy conversations with Marlene. She surely shared her light and love freely with others. Inspiring and uplifting quotes were displayed throughout her home, and she lived her life "accordingly."
For 13 years, she served her beloved husband, who suffered a stroke that left him significantly impaired. She was his nurturing angel, always without complaint. She was a devoted mother, wife, and friend and will be remembered for her strength, faith in the Lord, and love of all mankind. Indeed, she will be missed, and her legacy will live on throughout her family and all those whom she influenced.
She is survived by 7 children: Kelly and Anne Kunz, Neil and Shirley Harris, Kim and Melodie Kunz, Kurt and Teri Kunz, Teresa Kunz, Pat and Paulene Manning, Karl and Andrea Kunz, Kenneth and Kandice Kunz, and — grandchildren and — great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Paul Kunz; parents, Merlin and Maud Stevens; brothers, Arvel and DeVerl; sister, Jeannine Stevens; and daughter-in-law, Jan Field Kunz.
The family would like to thank all friends, neighbors, and caregivers who helped her in her last days.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 12:00 noon in the Bern Church with a viewing prior to the services from 9:30 am to 11:45 am. Interment will follow the services in the Bern Cemetery.