DELBERT KUNZ

1950-2022

Delbert Joseph Kunz, also known as Duke, a hard-working family man, Vietnam veteran, poker-player, gambler, Harley-Davidson rider, golfer, hunter, storyteller, Astros fan, Spurs fan, and all-around good fellow, passed away peacefully at his home in San Antonio on Sunday, October 16, 2022, at the age of 71.

Anyone else fighting stage four lung cancer would have gone quietly into the night, but Duke fought hard to be present for his family for just one more day. He died just like he lived his life. He made his own rules and took fashion advice from no one, let’s just say he loved his suspenders. He used his intellect and resourcefulness to provide a very good life for his family, all while sharing his knowledge and teaching them everything he knew.

He was born in Weimer, Texas, on December 14, 1950. Growing up in Columbus, Texas, he was part of the 1969 Columbus Cardinals Quarter Finalist Championship Football team, which was followed by joining the U.S. Army and serving in the Vietnam War from 1970-1971 as a Specialist 4, pay code E-4. On a regular basis, he proudly wore his Vietnam veteran baseball cap or shirt and enjoyed being a lifetime member of the VFW Post 4676.

After his return home from war, he began his career as an electrician. In 1986, his career moved him and his family (wife and two kids) to Magnolia, Arkansas, to serve as a foreman for SMI steel mill for 10 years. His innovative machinery designs contributed to the mill’s success and his name is probably still on them today. He later relocated back to Texas and lived and worked in Houston and Sealy. In 2000, he moved to San Antonio, where he married his wife, Charlsie, where he never missed an event for any of his grandchildren. Whether it was a football game, Grandparents Day, or a birth or birthday, he was always there! Duke and Charlsie retired together in 2013 to spend time with each other, with family and to travel.

His family knew him only as a kind, funny, mild-mannered, bit rebellious jack-of-all-trades electrician, who always had time to talk (even if some of his language was a bit colorful). Duke was known for his long, entertaining stories, which he loved to tell over and over again, especially over a good game of five card draw and a beer.

Delbert “Duke” was a strong, proud, and good man who overcame many challenges. He is loved and will be missed by many!

He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry F. Kunz, Margaret M. Kunz, brother Henry F. Kunz, Jr. and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kunz and Mr. and Mrs. John J. Mozisek.

Delbert is survived by his devoted wife, Charlsie Kunz and her daughters; his former spouse and mother of his two children, Stacey Rhodes (Brian) of Katy, Texas, and Jared Kunz (Ashley) of San Antonio; his bonus daughters, Carol Erdrich and Amanda Conrad (Ian) of San Antonio, Texas. He also leaves behind his brothers, James Kunz (Linda) and Henry Kunz; sisters, Betty Cady (Gary), Kathy Weige, and Debbie James (Gary). He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Mirielle Rhodes, Hayden and Kylynn Jacobson, Donovan Erdrich, Boston, Bentley, Bayler and Brooks Charlie Conrad, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

Memorial Services will be held in San Antonio at the Fort Sam National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach on Friday, November 18, 2022, at 10:30 to 11 a.m. A Celebration of Life will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Cancer Research Foundation https:// www.cancerresearchfdn. org/donate/ in Delbert’s name, or if you’re feeling lucky, Delbert would have wanted you to buy a few Texas Lottery Scratch-offs for him and have fun!

Please sign the onl ine guestbook here: https:// beyondthedash. c om/o b i t u a r y/d e l bert-kunz-1086519378