Karl Marvin Kunz
1936 ~ 2024
Captain Karl Marvin Kunz, age 87, of Hudson, Wisconsin, passed away on February 20, 2024, at Hudson Hospital in Hudson, Wisconsin. Karl was born on April 29, 1936, to parent's Alfred and Mary (Jensen) Kunz in Menomonie, Wisconsin.
Young Karl grew up in Western Wisconsin, attending high school in Menomonie. He was smitten by the aviation bug as a teenager and delved deep into classifications and specifics of aircraft so abundant in the post WWII era.
Concurrently Karl met his future wife in high school and neither one dated anyone else. Karl and Virginia (Thibado) were united in marriage on August 26, 1954, in Downsville, Wisconsin. Together they raised two children.
It was no surprise to family and friends that Karl opted to acquire a FAA Mechanic A&P license in St. Paul, MN, given his intense interest in aviation. Karl began his Northwest Airlines career as a mechanic at St. Paul Airport on May 06, 1959. As the transition to jet aircraft arrived at NWA there also arrived a short-lived opportunity for Karl to qualify as an airline pilot. Karl grasped that opportunity and obtained the necessary FAA pilot ratings to qualify him for future pilot employment.
The transition to a pilot slot went well for Karl. During his fruitful career he flew as Second Officer on the 707, First Officer on the 727, 707 and eventually Captain on the 727, DC-10 and 747 Classic. His entire career was spent based at Minneapolis/St. Paul. On April 29, 1996, Karl hung up his uniform and put away his flight bag for the last time.
As a young family, Karl and Virginia moved from Downsville to the Hudson, WI area settling in a home on Lake Mallalieu. Karl enjoyed spending time with his family on the lake boating and fishing. Golfing and cars were other hobbies of Karl's. The local car dealership knew Karl quite well as he would often be found buying a new GMC every couple of years.
Karl is survived by his wife of 69 years Virginia Kunz; daughter Denise (William) Eberspacher; grandchildren Patrick (Patty) Tufte, Anthony (Susan) Eberspacher, Brian Eberspacher; great-grandchildren Willa Eberspacher, Micah Eberspacher, Ezra Eberspacher, Luke Eberspacher and Calliope Tufte.
He was preceded in death by his son Duane Kunz; parents Alfred and Mary Kunz; and sister Beverly Dahms.
(~ Kunz Family and Bill Day)