Rodney O. Kuntz

Obituary

Rodney Otto Kuntz was born on January 3, 1941, in Mayer, Minnesota. He was the son of Otto E. and Martha L. (Zummach) Kuntz. Rodney was baptized on January 19, 1941, by Pastor Theo Rolf, and later confirmed in his faith on April 25, 1954, both at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in New Germany, Minnesota. He received his education in Norwood Young America and was a graduate of the Central High School Class of 1958.

On July 11, 1959, Rodney entered active military training and served his country in the United States Army and the Army Reserves. He received an Honorable Discharge.

On September 8, 1962, Rodney was united in marriage to Sharon Zellmann at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie. Rodney and Sharon made their home in New Germany and Lester Prairie, Minnesota. Their life was blessed with two daughters, Deborah and Patricia. Rodney and Sharon shared over 57 years of marriage when Sharon passed away on November 16, 2019.

Rodney was employed at Advanced Machines (now Nilfisk) and retired after 40-plus years. Rodney was an active member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie.

Rodney had many hobbies and interests that brought him joy throughout his life. He enjoyed playing softball and baseball, umpiring softball games, throwing horseshoes, and following all Minnesota sports, especially the Twins, Vikings, Timberwolves, Gophers, and Lynx. Rodney was an avid reader and rarely missed a copy of the Star Tribune. He also found pleasure in fishing, hunting, and spending time outdoors. He enjoyed simple moments, like catching rainwater and watering his plants, sitting outside on his swing, and going for walks and bike rides. Rodney valued visiting with neighbors and spending time with family and friends.

Rodney passed away on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at his home at the age of 84 years, 8 months, and 13 days. Blessed be his memory.

Rodney is survived by his:
Daughters, Deborah Michaelis and her husband, Rory, of St. Cloud, MN, Patricia Williams of Delano, MN;
Grandchildren, Sarah Olson and her husband, Rob, of Maple Grove, MN,
                         Holly Bjornstad and her husband, Derek, of Becker, MN,
                         Taylor Williams and his wife, Hanna, of St. Louis Park, MN,
                         Alex Williams and his special friend, Hannah Byl of Golden Valley, MN;
Great-Grandchildren, Britton Olson, Sutton Olson, Jensen Bjornstad, Sullivan Olson, Laine Bjornstad, Ada Williams;
Sister, Phyllis Stender of Hutchinson, MN;
Sisters-in-law, Sandra Anderson of Glencoe, MN, Judy Unglaub of Lester Prairie, MN, Mary Fillbrandt of Mayer, MN, Diane Zellmann of Lester Prairie, MN;
Brothers-in-law, Bruce Young of Lester Prairie, MN, and Doug Munsch of New Auburn, MN;
Aunt, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Rodney was preceded in death by his Wife, Sharon Kuntz; Parents, Otto and Martha Kuntz; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Byron and Alice Zellmann; Son-in-law, Steve Williams; Sisters-in-law, Kathryn Young, Pamela Munsch; Brothers-in-law, Larry Stender, Kendall Zellmann, Daryl Zellmann, Don Anderson, and Bruce Fillbrandt.