Richard Kunze

Richard Siegel Kunze, age 93 of Atlantic and formerly of Lewis, IA, went home to be with Jesus on May 30th, 2025 at Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, IA. He was born on January 6th, 1932 in Atlantic, Iowa to Walter and Bessie (Rossell) Kunze. Richard grew up in Pymosa Township in Cass County, Iowa, along with his seven brothers and three sisters. He attended Lewis High School, graduating with the class of 1950. On October 10th, 1950, Richard married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Weppler, at the Lewis Methodist Church. The couple was blessed with four children: Rebecca, Dennis, Brad, and Dana. They celebrated 74 years of marriage sharing love and building the foundation for a perfect family.

Richard was skilled at woodworking and carpentry, and he enjoyed working on projects for his family, as well as friends and neighbors. Richard farmed outside of Lewis, Iowa, purchasing his first farm in 1964; he raised hogs and cattle and grew corn and soybeans. Richard and his son, Brad, received the Iowa Century Farm Award in 1994 for his mother’s family farm, first purchased in 1871. His dedication and work ethic instilled a deep love and appreciation of farming in his family. Richard and Barbara were members of the Lewis Congregational Methodist Church, where he served on the building committee. He also served on the board for the Lewis Oakwood Cemetery for over 40 years, as well as the Cass County Farm Bureau board.

Richard and Barbara enjoyed traveling across the United States and exploring new places. They especially liked traveling the country by train and collecting souvenir ornaments from all 50 states to display on their Christmas tree. Richard cherished time with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed giving them rides on his tractors and ATV, as well as allowing them to participate in activities on the farm. He took pleasure in hunting and trapping his entire life, and he loved to share stories and photos with others. Richard was rarely seen without a German Shepherd by his side, and he always had a chainsaw nearby to trim any tree that stood in his way. Although he was a quiet man, Richard had a witty sense of humor, which he shared through handwritten poetry, subtle comments, and facial expressions. His roles of “clown”, “daredevil”, and “Easter Bunny” will be forever cherished by his family.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Bessie Kunze; and son, Dana Kunze; His life will be celebrated by his wife, Barbara Kunze of Atlantic, Iowa; daughter, Rebecca (James) Petty of Glenwood, Iowa; his sons, Dennis (Kelly) Kunze of Fairfax, Iowa; and Brad (Joanie) Kunze of Lewis, Iowa; his granddaughters, Katlynn (Scott) Lund of Blair, Nebraska; Brooke (Ryan) Dreager of Atlantic, Iowa; and Natalia (Austin) Sindt of Griswold, Iowa; his grandsons, Benjamin Kunze of Atlantic, Iowa; Robert Kunze of Lewis, Iowa; Michael Kunze of Lewis, Iowa; and James Kunze of Fairfax, Iowa; and his great-grandsons, Dylen Dreager of Atlantic, Iowa; Keagen Dreager of Atlantic, Iowa; and Nicholas Lund of Blair, Nebraska.

Memorial service will be held at 11 am, Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the United Congregational Methodist Church in Lewis, IA with Rev. Jerry Neal officiating. A luncheon will follow the service in the church fellowship area. Visitation with the family present will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 from 5 pm till 7 pm at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic.

Memorials are to be made to Oakwood Cemetery and can be left or mailed to the funeral home at PO Box 523 - Atlantic, IA. The Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Atlantic is caring for the Kunze family at this time and condolences can be sent at: schmidtfamilyfh.com