John LeRoy Kuntzsch, 63, of Russell, Kansas died Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at his residence with his family by his side.

John was born September 20, 1949 in Russell, Kansas the son of William H. and Margaret F. (Reddig) Kuntzsch.  He grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School in 1968.

John proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman on the west coast from 1968 to 1970.

John met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Paula Pfannensteil on April 30, 1971 in Victoria, Kansas.  This union was blessed with two children; Tonya and John.  The Kuntzsch’s made their home in Russell.

John has worked over twenty years with ABCO Wire.  First he started out in the jig department and eventually ended up as the Mig Welder in production.   Then he worked for King Of The Road.

John loved the outdoors.  He was an avid bow hunter and fisherman.  When he was not outside he was spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Surviving family include his wife of 41 years, Paula of the home; daughter, Tonya Crawford (Ron) of Russell, Kansas; son, John H. Kuntzsch (Eileen “Passion”) of Oak Harbor, Washington; four brothers, Bill Kuntzsch and Kenny Kuntzsch both of Russell, Kansas, Jim Kuntzsch of Dorrance, Kansas and Dennis Kuntzsch of Palco, Kansas;  sister, Norma Acheson of Russell; five grandsons.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Peggy Heckens and Nancy Wallace, and sister Pat Edsall three days following him.

Celebration of John’s Life will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell with Reverend David Jones officiating.  Burial of Ashes will follow at the Bunker Hill Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by Russell V.F.W. Post 6240 Honor Guard.  Friends may sign the book from 9 AM to 8 PM Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM.  A Memorial has been established as the John Kuntzsch Memorial Fund.  Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these funeral arrangements.