Kevin Kunze, 61, Valley City, ND, passed away September 8, 2024, with his wife by his side under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley at SMP Health St. Raphael in Valley City.  Visitation will be at the Lerud Mathias Funeral Home Chapel, Valley City from 5:00-7:00 PM, Friday, September 13 with a prayer service beginning at 7:00.  The funeral service will be at the Dazey Sodbusters in Sibley, ND, Saturday, September 14 at 1:30 PM.  He will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery, rural Dazey, ND.  The service will be live streamed, then archived, on a link provided along with his obituary on his tribute page at www.lerudmathias.com.  An online guestbook is available there as well.

Kevin Howard Kunze was born in Valley City, ND, June 6, 1963, to Howard and Beverly (Harland) Kunze.  He grew up in Valley City and graduated from VCHS.  Kevin farmed with his father until Howard passed away in 1999.  He continued farming alongside his nephew, Jeremy Johnson until Kevin’s health no longer allowed him to.

Farming and fixing were the things Kevin did.  He was the one to call anytime “something wouldn’t start.”  His great nephews depended on him to get their mini 4 wheelers going.   His brother-in-law, Stan, depended on him to get the garden tiller running, and he was a go to guy for his nephew, Jeremy.   

Snowmobiling, riding motorcycle and jet ski were things Kevin enjoyed.  He and friends took their snowmobiles on trips to Montana.

His family was what Kevin loved.  He married Kari Reuther, June 13, 1998 and in 2003, they completed their family with the adoption of “daddy’s little girl”, Mackenzie Peggy Ann.  She made him (and Kari) very proud.

A few years ago, Kevin was diagnosed with multiple myeloma.  He fought hard and never lost his sense of humor, trying to make his family and friends laugh right up to the end.  He was loved and will be missed by many.

Those that will miss him most are his wife, Kari and daughter, Kenzie along with his sister, Pam (Stan) Johnson; nephew, Jeremy Johnson; great nephews, Blaze and Kruze Johnson and Jaxon Hock.  He also leaves his father-in-law, Jack Reuther; brothers-in-law, Kevin (Jodi) and Jim as well as their families.

Kevin was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; and a niece, Katie Johnson.