Harold Arthur Kunz, 92, of Spokane Valley, WA, passed away peacefully on June 26th, 2024. Harold was born June 9th, 1932, in the town of Bern, Idaho, in Bear Lake County, to Mable Norine (Biles) Kunz and Anthon Ulrich Kunz.
Harold often spoke of his early life and discovering the beauty of a world that revolved around his father’s ranch in the small but close-knit town of Bern. Hours were spent exploring the hills around his home with his loyal dog and cousins who lived nearby.
Harold learned the value of hard work helping his father keep the ranch operational. Mechanical skill was a must, and Harold quickly found that he was gifted in this area. This was a talent that blessed him throughout his life in terms of hobbies, careers, and opportunities to serve others.
He attended Utah State University for a time, pursuing diesel mechanics and other general education courses. He loved the sciences and had a natural affinity for chemistry and physics. Harold deeply wanted to serve as a missionary for The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints. However, when government officials limited the number of young men allowed to serve missions during and in light of the Korean War-time draft, Harold was not able to serve.
Harold felt compelled to enlist in the Air Force at this time aside from facing an almost certain draft.
Not long before leaving for basic training, he’d met a young lady named Barbara Castleton at a Gold and Green Ball. Though Harold was not certain if she would even remember him from that night, he was absolutely sure he’d met the love of his life. And he had. With Harold's determination, they were able to stay in touch.
Barbara had the opportunity to live in San Francisco for a time and just happened to be near where Harold was finishing his early stages of military training. To his surprise, a visitor came unannounced to the base during Thanksgiving. Harold was able to schedule a day’s leave with Barbara. Harold describes what may have been the world’s most wonderful day ever shared by two people.
Harold discovered quickly that not only was Barbara uniquely mature, but her love for athletics and the outdoors ( particularly fishing ) made this girl the one and only. He recalled the time he caught her first softball throw while they were playing catch at a family reunion. The ball hit his mitt with such force and a loud pop that immediate pain radiated through his hand. That throw was a certain confirmation that he’d found his true love.
Harold’s mechanical skills were obvious to his Air Force seniors. He was assigned to an Air Force technical school focusing on the repair and maintenance of aircraft reconnaissance and gun cameras—something he loved and found to be fulfilling during his military career.
Shortly after joining the military, Harold received word that his father had suffered a heart attack and he was given a leave and a flight home along with his new love, Barbara.
His father, although still lying in a hospital bed, advised the two that they should take the opportunity during his leave and get married as it could be months and months before another opportunity presented itself.
Harold and Barbara were sealed in marriage in the Logan Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 19, 1953, in Logan, Utah. Barbara came from a warm and loving family, and Harold deeply valued his relationship with Barbara’s parents and siblings.
Eventually, Harold was honorably discharged from the Air Force and the young couple returned to Idaho to help farm and ranch with his father.
Always willing to work hard and do what was needed to provide, Harold took on many various jobs in addition to his responsibilities on the ranch. Harold and Barbara started a family and were eventually blessed with six children. A severe back injury from being pinned under a horse forced Harold to limit his work on the ranch and resulted in a new career path.
Opportunities opened which led to the entire Harold and Barbara Kunz family moving to Spokane WA in 1971. Spokane would be called home for Harold and Barbara for the rest of their lives. Deep roots were planted in Spokane, and dear friendships were made.
Harold eventually found joy in a mechanical-based career using his hands and skills daily. Many of his children and grandchildren carry the same skills through various careers or hobbies.
Harold was an example of devotion to his sweetheart, Barbara, and cared for her with love and kindness until she passed away in 2021.
Their life together was filled with joy, struggle, laughter, and adventure.
In spite of life’s typical heartache and difficulty, the joys and blessings were abundant, centering around children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Harold and Barbara have 23 grandchildren and 58 great-grandchildren. Their posterity is that of a large and growing clan that values each other just as Harold and Barbara value them.
He missed Barbara deeply after she passed away but spoke often and with optimism that he’d be reunited with her in a very short time.
Harold was a man of deep faith and made every effort to teach his family about his love of God and God’s love for each of us. Harold served in many capacities and callings for his church and was never shy about testifying of his love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His desire as a young man to serve a mission was later realized many times over. Often, he served in the missionary effort of the church and was anxious to share his deep faith with anyone willing to lend an ear.
Harold will be remembered for his kind nature and caring heart toward his family and especially his close friends, who seem to be everywhere and numerous.
Friendship to Harold was meaningful, and he expressed it with warm and cheerful greetings.
Harold A Kunz is survived by his younger sister, Harriet (Don) Tippetts, and youngest sister, Janet (Floyd, deceased) Colibert.
He is also survived by his oldest daughter, Toni Lynn (Ken) Hakes, his oldest son, Harold Christopher “Chris” (Sylvia) Kunz, his daughter, Juli Ann (Randy) Call, his daughter, Lori Ellen (Dean) Lowe, his youngest daughter Ami Leigh (Dan) Kunz-Pfeiffer, and his youngest son Matthew Jay (Arah) Kunz.
Harold is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Barbara, his brother-in-law, Floyd, one grandchild, and two great-grandchildren.
Harold had a humble nature and by his request, wanted only a small family memorial service and not a formal or traditional funeral.
Harold’s children wish to thank everyone that were part of Harold’s life both in ways small and great. He saw little difference.
He counted his friends as true blessings and was never quiet about speaking fondly of his friends to his family.
We honor this man as a father and grandfather and as an example of a devoted husband to our mother.
We love you Dear Old Daredevil Dad.
We invite you to share your memories and love for Harold.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.2