William Kunzman

February 23, 1938 ~ August 14, 2023
William Arthur Kunzman, 85 of Charles City, formerly of Nashua Iowa died Monday, August 14th at Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, August 23rd at 10:30 a.m. at St John Lutheran Church in Nashua with Pastor Todd Burrichter officiating. Military honors will be held at the church following the service.
Visitation will be from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 22nd at Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home - Olson Chapel in Nashua and one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday. A Masonic service will be held following the visitation by the Tyrrell Lodge No. 116.
Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory - Olson Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.
William, affectionately known to all as Bill, was born on February 23, 1938, in Dubuque, Iowa. Bill was a beloved figure in his community, known for his loving nature, thoughtful actions, and passionate dedication to the betterment of those around him.
Raised in Dubuque, Elkader, and Strawberry Point, Bill's early education took place at the Strawberry Point School District, where he graduated in May of 1956. He then pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor's degree in Math and Physics from Upper Iowa University and a Master's degree in Science from the University of Northern Iowa. His love for education and imparting knowledge would later steer him toward a fulfilling career in teaching.
Following his graduation, Bill served in the US Army from 1961 to 1963, a testament to his commitment to his country. He then embarked on his professional journey at Jessens Super Value in Strawberry Point, where he worked from 1953 to 1966. In 1969, he found his true calling when he became a teacher at the Nashua/Nashua-Plainfield School Districts. He served in this capacity until his retirement in 1997, touching countless lives and inspiring generations of students.
Bill's dedication to his community was evident in his active participation in various organizations. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Nashua and held several offices in the local NSEA, including president, vice-president, and membership chairperson. He was a member of the Strawberry Point Jaycees, where he served as president, and was affiliated with the NEA, ISEA, and NSEA teachers union. He served a term on the Nashua city council and chaired the Nashua Park Board for over a decade, playing a crucial role in developing the park system, campground, boat ramps, and veterans park.
As a lifetime member of the Nashua VFW Post, Bill was instrumental in the establishment of the tank and howitzer in Veterans Park. He and his wife, Phyllis, volunteered for the Nashua Ambulance Service, where he drove and she attended to patients. They also delivered Meals-On-Wheels to shut-ins, reflecting their shared commitment to community service.
Bill was the secretary of Bradford Lodge #129, a 32-degree Mason, and a member of the Iowa Consistory. After retirement, he became involved in Mabel's Building Mission and eventually took charge of the organization, leading a group of retired senior citizens in building homes for impoverished families in Mexico during the winter months.
Away from his work and community service, Bill enjoyed spending time outdoors, camping, and fishing. He was an ardent fan of golf and the Hawkeyes. He cherished his morning coffee sessions with the boys and loved taking his science club students on trips to Chicago, the Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone.
In his lifetime, Bill was a beacon of love, thoughtfulness, and passion. He left an indelible mark on his community and the lives of those he touched. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew him.
Bill is survived by his wife Phyllis; Step-Son Steven (Brenda) Thein of Austin, MN; Sister Shirlee (Glen) Davidson of Brentwood, TN; Grandchildren Tonia (Phillip) Knighten of Charles City, Trevor (Devinee) Thein of Mason City, Coty Hemann, and Dakota Thein of Maple Grove, MN; Great-Grandchildren Jalen Jones, Akil Knighten, Malik Knighten, Ana Knighten, and Safiya Knighten all of Charles City, Asher & Kaylee Hemann of Maple Grove, MN, and Everlee Thein of Mason City; Sister-In-Laws Shirley Chesmore of Manchester, Carolyn (Tony) Kipper of Monticello, and Linda (Steve) Moritz of Manchester. He was preceded in death by his parents Lowell & Ruby Proctor of Strawberry Point and William & Arlene Kunzman of Sioux Falls, SD; Brother-In-Laws Dick Swartz of Manchester, Curt Chesmore of Manchester, and Steven Moritz of Manchester.
(641) 435-4134
With deepest sympathy,
Nashua High School Class of 1987
Such a nice and caring man and a great teacher. R.I.P Bill. God Bless.
I have many fond memories of Mr. Kunzman as a teacher. He was passionate about his students and science, as well as truly modeled and reinforced the dispositions and skills needed to be a successful adult. Nashua High School produced a significant number of doctors, PTs, nurses, and scientists during his tenure, which is a testament to his teaching. Bill was also an avid humanitarian, freely donating his time and talents to those less fortunate. I feel blessed that I ran into Bill less than a month ago and got to converse. Prayers of comfort to Phyllis and the rest of Bill’s family. He will be greatly missed.
Great memories of physics class with Mr. Kunzman. Still remember some of the experiments. He left a positive mark on many, many students. Always had great visits with him when we met up when we were back at Nashua for events.
So sorry for your loss. He was a great teacher and a good man.
I’m so sorry. Mr. Kunzman was a wonderful human being. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Bill was a very important part of our winters in Texas and worked diligently with a big heart, building homes for the homeless in Tx. We all loved him and his energy to always do good. We are grateful that we were granted the opportunity to know him. God Bless the family and especially Phyliss his dearly beloved soulmate. Rip Bill.
Bill was a prince of a man. Charlotte and I express our condolences to Phyllis and his entire family. I worked with Bill on many of the Mabels Building Mission houses. He was a great leader and organizer; you could always count on him for a joke. He will be greatly missed by the Mabels Building Mission crew and his many good friends at Canyon Lake RV Resort.
Sincerely,
Pete & Char Murphy
Enjoyed talking to Bill when he stopped for sweet corn-he may have gotten into trouble with Phyllis as sometimes extra ears would jump into the sack!
We will always remember the joyful life of our Uncle Bill. From both of our families, we love you.
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Remember him as a teacher to our boys and a friendly neighbor. Thoughts and prayers to the family.🙏🙏
Mr. Kunzman was one of the best teachers that I ever had. He was my high-school physics instructor my senior year and I learned so much from him. I also had the great opportunity to travel with him and the Science Club to Yellowstone, Glacier National, Mt. Rushmore, Dinosaur National Park and so many other wonderful places in our great country. A good, kind man. An excellent teacher. A great role model. Respectful, thoughtful and served our country well. A life well lived. Rest in peace, for you are now in God’s hands. Phyllis, keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs, Jayne
After Bill and I terrorized each other 50 years ago at NHS, we developed a great friendship. Bill was one hell of a teacher, a trait that he kept growing, wiser with age. Bill will be missed and a Big Hug To Mrs. Kunzman.
To the Bill Kunzman family so sorry to hear Bill’s passing.
I had Mr. Kunzman for science classes in high school he was an excellent educator. I also remember that Mr. Kunzman took a group of us to Chicago to see the museums and see some of the sights. On of the 1st times I was in a big city.
I have all good memories of Mr. Kunzman.
Bert Feuchtwanger class of 1975
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I remember him in science class and being a great neighbor. Sending my sympathies to Phyllis & family. Kimbra