John F. Kunz “Kunzie” passed Thursday, August 14, 2025 peacefully in his sleep. John was born on February 23, 1962 in Springfield, IL, to the best parents a person could hope for: Art (Pee Wee) Kunz Sr. and Margaret (Lesko) Kunz.
John is survived by his wife of 22 years, Susan “Sue” (Esslinger) Kunz for who he lassoed the moon; his brothers Frank (Glenda) Kunz of Springfield; Jeff (Janice) Kunz of Chatham; his sister Diane (David, deceased) Johnson of Middletown; and his sisters-in-law Debra (Arthur) of Springfield and Carol (Raymond) of Valencia, CA. John is also survived by nephews “brothers” Artie (Cathy) Kunz of Kitty Hawk, NC, and James (Bethany) Kunz of Columbia, MO; nephews Kenny (Michelle) Johnson of Middletown, IL, Paul (Chelsea) Johnson of Middletown, IL, Chris (Kelly) Kunz of Carmel, IN, Jim Kunz of Springfield, IL and several great nieces and great nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Gregory, Arthur (Art), and Raymond (Ray). John is now reunited with his great friends Mark Beagles and Jim Nemecek in the Biggies & Bubbas in the sky.
John’s story began on the Northend of Springfield. Growing up around Fairview Park, John was always outside with the other neighborhood kids playing football, baseball, rundown, and blowing up green army men and model trucks with firecrackers.
At St. Al’s, when John’s older brothers weren’t pulling him out of school (unknown to his parents) as their tiny wingman, John made friendships he cherished his entire life.
Moving on to Griffin in 1976, John was the Football Team Manager for four years, appreciating the essential team duties of gopher to Mel-O-Cream and Baskin Robbins. John made many, many truly unforgettable memories during high school, especially with the girls from Camp-Helluvalotta who have remained in his heart always. John honed his housekeeping and party planning skills at the “Manor” of which his wife, Susan was greatly appreciative.
Although his academic career at Lincoln Land Community College was brief, he embraced the social scene and began running with the crowd that became his extended and treasured family.
John became a “Cave” dweller in 1985. While the Cave escapades are legendary, the bonds forged are everlasting.
John was an MEO for DHS and worked at McFarland Hospital from which he retired. John also bartended at King Pin Lanes and loved his job at TSC (Tractor Supply Co, not Tennessee State College).
John was an avid foodie. John was the person friends and family called when they wanted recommendations of restaurants in Springfield and around the country. John’s food focus began at an early age with Rechner's Butter Cake from Tapocik’s and rainbow snow cones at The Stand at Fairview Park. According to John, Vic’s Pizza remains unparalleled to this day. John’s Dad’s Sunday Chicken Frys delighted family and friends for decades and John carried on this family tradition – unfortunately not as frequently as his dad’s weekly schedule. John was the “Camp B” cook at Deer Camp and was a regular cook at the Riveria Club and the Cave – John was NOT the tomato slicing chainsaw operator.
John’s passion was Italian cooking – and his meatballs, meat sauce, and stuffed chicken breasts were always in demand – so much so that John, with his brother Frank and Frank’s wife Glenda, opened That’s Amore Italian Restaurant in Illiopolis, IL. in Fall 2001.
That’s Amore was a family affair with everyone pitching in to make it a success. Friends and family in the kitchen making pizzas and salads while others were waiting tables. Nicky Ro demonstrated pizza topping artistry that amazed even Chef Kunzie. Only Glenda’s spectacular cheesecakes (especially the turtle – John’s favorite) rivaled the cuisine John cooked up. That’s Amore closed in 2002 because John and his salad-forgetting-waitress fell in love and opted for marriage and a life unencumbered by a restaurant.
The Day Pigs Flew 6/6/2003, began John’s greatest adventure: marriage. John jumped in with his whole heart and soul and John and Sue’s infamous tropical wedding reception set the bar for the Kunz’s Bonanza Pass parties that continued for the following decade which included family, friends, and fantastic neighbors.
John and Sue moved to town in 2016 as country life became too remote. Surrounded by family and friends, John and Sue embraced their new home and their new life. John spent his days lunching with friends and family; playing video card games; watching Monster Movies and Korean Movies; listening to old radio shows; cooking; shopping with Diane; and Saturdays at the Riviera Club – John enjoyed his retirement.
One of John’s favorite films was, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” in which George Bailey discovers that the measure of a life well lived is in the love given and love received. John certainly lived a wonderful life.
Rest in Peace, John Kunz.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the Fall.
Memorials may be sent to Alzheimer's Association or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Please share photos with the family at the following https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/e9vn1cepwskaolcmo29lt/AN0Qhtmb9O_owbeLAckak-w?rlkey=tbqco3m9swq2nnzxrnqkxvzce&e=2&st=25kl4lsd&dl=0
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