Gerald "Jerry" L. Kunze

Jerry Kunze, beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather and husband of Louisville, Kentucky passed away peacefully with his family by his side, on March 20th, 2025, at the age of 86. He was born on September 7, 1938, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Louise and Robert Kunze. He graduated from Manual High School where he excelled in art and attended the University of Louisville Art School. Jerry used that talent to become a successful marketing and sales promotion specialist, working for Enro Shirt Company, Stitzel-Weller Distillery, Zimmer-McClaskey-Lewis Advertising Agency, Somerset Importers, Glenmore Distillery and eventually retiring from Keller Crescent. While Jerry loved art, he also had a passion for fishing spending many vacations and weekends on Lake Barkley with friends and family on his houseboat, the Miss Jeanie K. In fact, fishing is how he met his beloved wife of 62 years when they met at a tournament as teenagers at South Park Country Club.

Jerry was a member of Southeast Christian Church, a volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America and Norton Hospital Brownsboro. Jerry is survived by his wife, Emmajean Kunze of Louisville; son, Todd Kunze (wife Kelly); daughter, Kim Stargel (husband Mike); granddaughters, Emily Hartgrove (husband Wesley) and Katie Kunze; grandsons, Sean Stargel (wife Macki) and Max Kunze; and one great grandson, Fineas Hartgrove. He is preceded in death by his parents Louise and Robert Kunze.

Jerry was a talented artist, avid fisherman, but above all he loved his family; always present for birthdays, games, awards, graduations, weddings, births, and just everyday events. He was quick with a joke, always had a story and quick to capture all in photos. We will miss his sweet smile, but trust he is now with Jesus, whole again!

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 25th between 11:00am and 1:00pm in the Fireside Room with a service in the chapel at 1:00pm at Southeast Christian Church, 920 Blankenbaker Parkway, 40243.

Donations to BSideU for Life and/or Scouting America would be welcomed in lieu of flowers.