Frank Thomas Kuntz

Frank T. Kuntz, a prominent Wenatchee attorney, civil service leader, and sports booster, died Thursday, February 5, 2015 after a lengthy illness. He was 84. Frank Thomas Kuntz was born February 8, 1930 in Wenatchee to Hilbert and Lois (Holland) Kuntz and was raised at the family orchard in East Wenatchee. He graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1948, and later that year joined the US Army. He served in the Army Intelligence Corps. After his Honorable Discharge in 1952, he attended Whitman College in Walla Walla where he met and married Catharine "Jill" Chism in 1953. He then attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and earned his Doctorate Degree in law in 1959. Due to his veteran status, he was allowed to take the bar exam early after completing a certain amount of credits. He passed the exam and spent his final year at SMU attending classes in the mornings and practicing law in the afternoons. He continued to practice law in Dallas until relocating his family to Wenatchee in 1961. He co-founded a law firm with Bill Hamilton and Jim Lynch in 1963 and practiced law until his retirement in 1980. He was a member of the Chelan-Douglas County Bar Association, the Washington State Bar Association, the Texas State Bar Association and the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association. His civic activities reflected his wide interests, leadership and love of the Wenatchee Valley. He served as President, Vice-President and District Director of the Eastmont Jaycees, receiving the Distinguished Service award in 1966. He served two terms as the President of the Wenatchee Valley Quarterback Club, two terms as President of the Wenatchee Sportsman Association, President of Music Theatre of Wenatchee, Chairman of the Chelan County Civil Service Commission, Chairman of the Chelan County Heart Association and served for a decade on the board of the local chapter of the Boy Scouts of America. He was Chairman of the committee that brought the Olympic Torch to Wenatchee on Independence Day, 1984 and was Chairman of the committee for the dedication ceremony of Riverfront Park and the committee celebrating Wenatchee's Centennial. He was active in politics - local and statewide - for most of his adult life. He was on the Committee To Elect Dan Evans for Governor in 1964, 1968 & 1972, was state Co-Chairman of the Committee To Elect John Spellman for Governor in 1980, chaired the Jim Lynch for Mayor Committee in 1977, 1981, 1985, 1989 and 1993 and the Jim Lynch for Chelan County Commission Committee in 1996. He was elected in 2004 and served a two-year term on the board of the Eastmont Metropolitan Parks district. He either managed or served as chairman of many other campaigns. Being the father of nine children, he played an active role in quality public education and was constantly involved in local sports. With his involvement in education, he co-chaired the campaign that resulted in the building of the current Wenatchee High School and played an active role in school bond and M&O levy's for many years. He was also a member of the Lewis & Clark Elementary PTA, the Washington Elementary PTA and the Orchard Junior High PTA. His athletic involvement included coaching Little League Baseball in Wenatchee for a decade, serving on the Board of Directors for four years and President for two of those years. He was a part of the Babe Ruth Baseball Association, serving as President of the Wenatchee chapter and on the state Board of Directors. He coached Babe Ruth and helped organized local and state tournaments. Alongside Tom Byrne and Dewey Cannon, he founded the Wenatchee Youth Football Association in the mid-60's and was actively involved for ten years. When he wasn't on the road attending his children's sporting events, you could find him in the press box of the Apple Bowl as clock operator for Panther football games, in the stands of Recreation Park watching his children play baseball or serving as the official scorekeeper for Panther softball games. Frank also made the large yard at his home available for any teams that needed a practice facility. He was instrumental in launching the Wenatchee Panther Booster club in the mid-80's, serving as president in 1986-1987. He and his wife, Jill, jointly received a special award honoring their service and dedication to the Columbia Basin Big Nine League in 1986. Kuntz was also named Distinguished Alumnus of Wenatchee High School by the class of 1987. Frank built friendships with many close friends to go along with his large family. His quick wit and sense of humor were appreciated and valued by many. He enjoyed playing golf with his family and spending time at the family cabin in Lake Wenatchee. Having a house full of family was a favorite time for him. Fishing, camping and enjoying the outdoors with his friends as well as regular golf outings were also highlights. He was known for taking care of his yard and taking pride in growing tomatoes. In his spare time, he enjoyed photography and reading a variety of books. After the passing of his wife Jill in 1989, he married Susan Seale on January 19, 1991. Susan's three daughters extended his already sizeable family - a family that he took a tremendous amount of pride and joy. Susan was an ideal companion for Frank for the past 24 years. They built a home together in East Wenatchee, enjoyed gardening and keeping up with the Kuntz/Seale clan. Together they went on numerous trips camping, cruising and flying to Hawaii. They especially enjoyed the annual Kuntz summer vacations and family gatherings during the holidays. Susan was a devoted caregiver to Frank for many years and is loved deeply by the Kuntz family. Frank is survived by his wife Susan of East Wenatchee and his 9 children and 3 step-children: Stephanie Mayer (Mark) of Walla Walla, Mark (Pam) of Bellingham, Mike (Karin) of Hunts Point, Eric of Wenatchee, Jim of Walla Walla, Frank Jr. of Wenatchee, Dan (Stephannie) of Wenatchee, Cathy Nelson (Andy) of Eugene, B.J. of Wenatchee, Errin Richardson of Puyallup, Cheryl Hubbell (Craig) of Seattle and Cori Shemanski (Tom) of Sammamish. In addition, he has numerous cousins and nieces Debbie Monroe (Gary) and Chris Johnson (Mike). He is also survived by 26 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Jill, in 1989, his father Hilbert in 1986, his mother Lois in 2000 and his sister Ramona in 1969 and his niece Gail in 2004. An open house celebrating Frank's remarkable life will be held Saturday, April 4th from 2pm to 5pm at the Kuntz residence - 1720 Madison St. in Wenatchee. Frank and his family would like to thank Central Washington Hospital Hospice for their compassionate care these past few months. Contributions in Frank's name can be made to Central Washington Hospital Hospice. Arrangements are by Heritage Memorial Chapel.

Frank Thomas Kuntz

August 2, 1930 - February 5, 2015