Wayne L. Kunze August 11, 1940 - June 20, 2025

Our beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend Wayne L. Kunze of Ferron, Utah, took his final ride on June 20, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born in Springville, Utah on August 11, 1940, to Emil and Donna Kunze. Wayne received his education in the public schools there, where he participated in all sports. He excelled in track and football and received a football scholarship in his junior year in high school, and he held the record in the 100-yard dash.

He served in the Utah National Guard 1457, Springville, Utah and was on active duty for one year in Aberdeen, Maryland as a welder mechanic.

Wayne had a work ethic like no other. He started as an apprentice carpenter at 14 years old and went on to work on various projects including the Flaming Gorge Dam, several buildings at BYU, Bridal Veil Falls, and Brunswick Bowling Corporation installing and replacing pinsetters and refinishing lanes. He also worked at Hauserman Cabinets, acting as General Foreman. He was a proud union member.

When Huntington Power Plant was built, Wayne worked for Jelco Construction as a millwright mechanic. He was well versed in every aspect of the operation and construction of coal fired power plants throughout the western United States and eventually became a supervisor for Rocky Mountain Power. After his retirement, he continued to consult for many of the construction companies that were maintaining the plants during overhauls.

He married Paula Jones, and they combined families. They shared many adventurous years together beginning in Springville, then Hurricane, back to Springville, to Mapleton, and finally settled in Ferron, Utah. They both enjoyed the great outdoors, camping, horse riding, and spending time with family and friends. Some of the most precious times together included tending to the horses in the pasture and the beautiful yard and garden that surrounded their home. Their love endured over 55 years.

He was an avid horseman his entire life, receiving his first horse at four years old. In his early adult years, he and his friends began competing in endurance races and participated all over the western United States. These rides included 50- or 100-mile endurance rides and several multi-day events up to 265 miles. He continued endurance racing well into his early 70’s. It was truly his favorite hobby. He was very competitive and won many buckles and awards with his horses. Among his other hobbies were hunting, fishing, camping and trail riding. He loved sharing these experiences with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife Paula Jones Kunze, his children and stepchildren Sharrilee Clonts (Steve), Jay D. Kunze (Samantha), Jayda Johnson (Peter), Stacy Zampedri (Ray), sister Marrianne Beisinger (Jim) and two sisters-in-law, Denise Kunze and Darlene Kunze. Wayne had 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, and two more great grandbabies on the way. He is also survived by his extended family including his step grandchildren. He was a loving father and grandfather and delighted in attending ball games and events with great grandchildren. He loved to tease and had nicknames for everyone he loved.

He is preceded in death by his parents, three children, Dwain Kunze, Craig Kunze, and Kelly Stefenson, his brothers Harold Kunze, Douglas Kunze and Dan Kunze.

The family would like to issue a special thank you to Tanner Gardner (Grandson), Darin Gardner and Mont Johnson for all their assistance as Wayne’s health declined. We would also like to thank his two wonderful hospice nurses, Shayla World and Casey Hinkins.

A vistitation will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home located at 187 South Main St., Spanish Fork, Utah Funeral services will follow at  Walker Funeral Home, Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.