Walter E. Kunze, Jr.
Of Arlington Heights

Walter E Kunze, Jr. was born January 3, 1924 in St Paul, MN to Walter E. and Caroline (Brenning) Kunze. He died Monday, August 2, 2010 at Northwest Community Hospital following complications of Parkinson’s and pneumonia.

Walter was a decorated veteran of the U.S. Army having served in Europe during WWII. He earned a purple heart as well as a Silver Star, which was awarded for “Gallantry in Action.” Additionally, he was on one of the first tanks which arrived to liberate Dachau Concentration Camp. On June 20, 1947, Walt married Frances Halverson of Sacramento, CA. He graduated from the Citadel Military College of South Carolina in 1949 with a degree in civil engineering and then completed his master’s degree in civil engineering at MIT. He was employed by the Portland Cement Association (Skokie IL) for over 35 years, where he finished his service as the first President of Construction Technology Laboratories, and additionally served a term as President of the American Concrete Institute. Walt enjoyed traveling, photography and his retirement home in Austria.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Frances; his three daughters, Anne (Jeff) Copeland of Stilwell, KS, Jean (Greg) Poland of Rochester MN and Elizabeth (Paul) Odom of Hawthorn Woods; and nine grandchildren, Sharon (Dan) Ryan, Brian and Diane Copeland, Caroline, Eric and Matt Poland, and Paul, Bobby and David Odom.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Ruth (Robert) Debel.

A memorial service will be held on Friday August 13, 2010 at 11:00 AM at the Lutheran Home and Service for the Aged, 800 W Oakton, Arlington Heights. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM just prior to the service. Burial will be in St Paul, MN. Funeral information and condolences at www.GlueckertFH.com or (847) 253-0168.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the USO (United Service Organization) PO Box 96322, Washington DC, 20090-6322 or call (800) 876-7469. It was this organization that provided the opportunity for Walt and Frances to meet in 1943.


 

Glueckert Funeral Home

(847) 253-0168

1520 North Arlington Heights Road

Arlington Heights, IL 60004