John Kunzler

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John Jacob Kunzler Jr.
1934 – 2021

John Jacob (Jay) Kunzler Jr. passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife, Barbara, and family at his side on Wednesday, 27 January 2021.

Jay was born 6 January 1934 in Willard, Utah to John Jacob Kunzler and Maria Frieda Meier. After graduating from Box Elder High School, he served a full-time mission in the New England States Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After two years of serving in the United States Army, he married his eternal companion, Barbara Ladene Packard in the Salt Lake Temple.

He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Manufacturing Engineering from Utah State University and a Master of Science degree while he served as a faculty member in the Engineering Technology Department at Brigham Young University (BYU). He was later appointed as department chair. After twenty-two years at the university, and while serving as an associate dean of the College of Engineering, he suffered a brain aneurysm in November 1993. His professional career came to a close and his life was dramatically altered for the following twenty-seven years.

Jay’s faith and dedication to the gospel of Jesus Christ provided many opportunities for church service, including scoutmaster, bishop, BYU branch president, high councilor, stake president, Missionary Training Center branch president, and young men’s president. Jay and Barbara were called to preside over the Montana Billings Mission from 1985-1988.

His family and friends will remember him for his endearing wit and humor and his grandchildren will always treasure his stories and jokes. His ability to fix or repair most anything was remarkable. His love for nature and outdoor adventure created strong family ties and memories. Jay was a respected leader and a true friend to all who knew him.

Jay is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara, son Gary (Michelle), daughter Jana Hilton (Donald), son John (Mhanitta), son Richard (Rhonda), daughter Suzanne Rhoton (Derick), son Michael (Nicole), son Jayson (Jennifer), son Steven (Karen), and sister Shirley Bunderson (Cleo). He is adored by fifty-two grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents John Jacob Kunzler and Maria Frieda Meier, brothers Eugene, Chester, Richard and Darrell, and two sisters Norma Gessel and Mary Munk.

Jay will be eternally grateful to his sweetheart, Barbara, who was the love and joy of his life. Her unconditional love and service during his many years of being incapacitated has been an inspiration to all who know them.

The Kunzler family expresses heartful gratitude to family and friends who have generously rendered many kind acts of service to Jay and Barbara over the years.

A public viewing will be held Sunday, 31 January 2021 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Nelson Family Mortuary, 4780 North University Avenue, Provo, Utah.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, 1 February 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, in-person funeral attendance will be by invitation and all others are invited to participate virtually. Following the funeral, a graveside service will be held at Highland City Cemetery, 6200 West 11000 North, Highland, Utah.

A private family viewing (by invitation) will precede the funeral from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the mortuary.