Idaho State Journal, 11/27/01

POCATELLO -- Dan Eugene Kunz, 85, died Saturday, Nov. 14, 2001, at his home from an illness. He was born August 1, 1916, in Bern, Idaho, to John William Kunz and Mary Schmid Kunz. Dan was the 11th of John and Mary's 12 children. 

Dan's childhood was spent working and playing with his family. Throughout the summer months the family lived in Williamsburg, Idaho. Dan came from a family of cheese makers. It was during these summer months in Williamsburg that he worked alongside his family in the cheese-making process. The family lived in Bern, Idaho, during the winter months of Dan's childhood. He attended school through the eighth grade in Bern, and later graduated from Montplelier High School in 1934. He then attended Links Business College in Pocatello, Idaho. 

Dan worked for Idaho Bank and Trust in Pocatello, and was then transferred to work in the company's Commercial Security Bank in Ogden, Utah. It was while he was in Ogden that Dan met his beloved, Ellen Eschier. 

Dan married Ellen on December 20, 1942, in Preston, Idaho. Their marriage was solemnized on December 4, 1952, in the Idaho Falls Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Dan and Ellen loved each other very much, and were very happy together for nearly 59 years. Following Ellen's death in May, Dan was diligent in keeping her memory alive and his love of her close to his heart. 

In March of 1943, Dan and Ellen moved back to Pocatello and later built a home on Whitaker Road in Chubbuck, Idaho, where they raised their family and were active members of the community and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Dan was the father of five children, Linda (Paul) Raschke, Chubbuck, D. Eugene (Janeil) Kunz Jr., McCammon, Kent S. (Kitty) Kunz, Pocatello, Richard J. (Jeanne) Kunz, Pocatello, and Wendie Anne Kunz, Chubbuck. He had 19 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Dan enjoyed having his family together for both work and play. He worked very hard to ensure that they were provided for well. 

When Dan and Ellen moved to Pocatello he transferred back to Idaho Bank and Trust. He was hired by Nate Block while still working for the bank. Dan stayed with Idaho Bank and Trust until the end of World War II; he worked during the day for the bank and at night and on the weekends for Block's. Dan stayed with Block's until his retirement in 1978. While at Block's, he worked his way from salesman to store manager, and served for several years as the treasurer for the Block's Corporation. Dan and Ellen owned and operated the El Celito Wedding Chapel for 16 years. 

Dan was very active in the community and in community service organizations. He was an officer and member of the 20/40 Club, the Jaycees, the JACL, the Kiwanis and the Pocatello Rotary, in addition to many other organizations. He was a member of the PTA, where he served as the organization’s president. He also served at one time as the president of the PTA's Central Council. Dan was a charter member of the Chubbuck Lions Club. He was active for many years on the Pocatello Frontier Rodeo board. 

Religion was an important part of Dan's life. He served faithfully in many positions and callings within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a high priest and had served in several bishoprics and high councils. He also served as a missionary in the San Diego, Calif., mission from 1983-1984. 

Dan loved horses. They were a passion which began in his early years and continued until his death. He owned many, rode even more and watched as many as he could. He was a knowledgeable and talented horse man. Even more than horses, he loved his family. His family included his parents, siblings, wife, in-laws, children, extended family and friends he welcomed as family. He loved having his family together for holidays, birthdays, reunions, work projects, or for no reason at all. He loved and enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and made sure that they knew he loved them; Grandpa could always be counted on to find a treat for his special kids. 

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Kunz, his five brothers and six sisters and each of their spouses, and a grandson, Richard D. Karlson. He was the last of a generation, and the head of a large family. He will be missed as deeply as he was loved. 

.Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m at the Whitaker Road LDS Chapel. A graveside service will be conducted at the Restlawn Memorial Gardens.