Services planned for Jack Everett Kunze, 93, of Ridgefield

Jack Everett Kunze, 93, of Ridgefield, passed away on April 25, 2018. He was the loving husband of Mrs. Rose Mary (O’Connell) Kunze.

Mr. Kunze was born in Chicago, IL on February 22, 1925; the son of the late Adolph and Alma (Bruhns) Kunze. He was raised in Palatine, IL.  He graduated from Northwestern Naval ROTC with a BS in 1946, commissioned as an Ensign in the US Naval Reserves.  During this period his naval experiences included joining the USS Ingraham DD694 at Bikini Atoll during the first postwar atom bomb test (Operation Crossroads).  At the end of WWII he returned to Northwestern to complete studies for an engineering degree, earning a BSME in 1949, after which he joined IBM.  He was then recalled to active duty for the Korean Conflict, rising to the rank of Lieutenant USNR before being released from active duty in 1952.

Mr. Kunze spent his entire professional career in various management and staff positions, in various locations with IBM, retiring after 38 years to enjoy his family and many interests.

A resident of Ridgefield for the past 51 years, Mr. Kunze was a member of St. Mary’s Church of Ridgefield.  He was also one of the original members of the Ridgefield Men’s Club.  He enjoyed many interests including theatre, travel, hiking, camping and skiing with his family, golfing with his friends, photography, whistling, storytelling, and so much more.  

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Rose Mary and their 6 children: Kristopher Kunze and his partner, Becky Jakobsen; Maureen Austen and her husband, Robert; Kathleen Kunze; Mary Ann Gleba and her husband, Jim; Marj Cutler and her husband, Norman Sr. and Jeanette Gauspohl and her husband, Bob. Mr. Kunze is also survived by 8 grandchildren: Garrett, Evan and Conrad Austen and his wife, Karollina; Norman Jr. and Warren Cutler and Marni Cutler Vining and her husband Jaime; and William and Samuel Gauspohl.

The family would like to thank RVNA Hospice and Betty Avery in particular, for their support and care. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at 10:15 AM at St. Mary’s Church; 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ridgefield. Friends will be received on Monday, April 30, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Saint Mary’s Church, Ridgefield, CT or Saint Joseph Parenting Center, Stamford, CT www.sjpcenter.org.