LEWIS WILLIAM KUNZE

Lewis William Kunze, 89, of Alpena, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, May 3, 2024, at the MyMichigan Medical Center in Midland, following a severe hemorrhagic stroke earlier in the week.

Lewis was born Sept. 15, 1934, in Alpena, to the late Lewis and Alma (Lindsay) Kunze. He attended St. Bernard’s elementary school and graduated from Alpena Catholic Central High School in 1953. He attended Ferris State University. At the time of his death, he was married to Kathryn Kunze, his wife of 28 years since Feb. 24, 1996.

As a young man, Lewis moved to California. He was in the restaurant and insurance business in Oakland, Calif. and raised his family there. After attending a Catholic Central High School reunion, and re-meeting Kathryn, he returned to Alpena, and began working at Skiba Insurance Company, where he continued to serve as an inspector in semi-retirement until his death.

Lewis was active in the community. He was a member of the Alpena Lions Club, where he held many leadership positions. He and Kathryn participated for many years in volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity and the Thunder Bay Theatre. He served as a long time Board Member at NEMROC. Lewis was a kind, loyal, humble man, with a steadfast faith in God. He was a trusted member, lector and usher at Trinity Episcopal Church. Many will recall that for 15 years, on behalf of Kathryn, Lewis was the wizard implementer of the grand designs of Trinity’s famous Victorian Teas. Lewis was also an accomplished cook and a gifted grill-master. He and Kathryn dedicated many happy hours to gardening and building delightful playhouses, bridges and other garden decor for family enjoyment. Within the family, his greatest gift was to be a role model in how a man can be a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather while also giving quiet, thoughtful, and patient service to the larger community and those in need.

Surviving Lewis are his wife, Kathryn Kunze, son Kevin Kunze; son, Mark (Sherry) Kunze; daughter, Kelly (Jeff) Benfante, as well as four grandchildren, Blaec (James) Tavenner, Joshua (fiancee Ashlee Hernsted) Benfante, Caitlin Benfante and Ashlyn Benfante. Surviving also are his nieces and nephews: Jackie (Tim) Donajkowski, Mary Lindsay (Jim) Baker, Richard (Kay) LaLonde, as well as great nieces and nephews, Clay Donajkowski, Colin Donajkowski, Lindsay Donajkowski, Sadee (fiancee Caleb Crawford) LaLonde. Lewis loved as his own Kathryn’s children, Jeanne Nowaczewski, Steve (Anna) Nowaczewski, Jacob Nowaczewski; grandchildren, Ben Joslin, Cecelia (Trey) Burrow, Frank (Christina) Joslin, Vincent Nowaczewski, Liliana (Brandon) Downs, Victor (Maricela) Nowaczewski, Sofia (Chris) Ponton; great-grandchildren, Mila, Adelina, Leona and Cora.

Lewis was preceded in death by his twin brother Lawrence Kunze on Jan. 4, 2024; two sisters, Bette LaLonde, Sally Kunze; mother of his children, Joyce; son-in-law Rod Joslin; and grandson Casimir Nowaczewski.

Per Lewis’ wishes, his body has been donated to the University of Michigan Anatomical Donations Program. A memorial service will take place on Monday, June 10, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church. Arrangements have been handled by the Bannan Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alpena Lions Club or Habitat for Humanity.