Tue Jun 24 13:50:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided obituary:
**Summary:**
Wayne L. Kunze, 84, of Ferron, Utah, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 20, 2025. Born in Springville, Utah, on August 11, 1940, he was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Wayne excelled in sports in his youth and served in the Utah National Guard. He had a long and successful career in construction and power plant operations. An avid horseman, he participated in endurance races for decades. He is survived by his wife, Paula, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Services will be held at Walker Mortuary in Spanish Fork on June 26, 2025.
**News Article:**
**Ferron Community Mourns the Loss of Wayne L. Kunze**
**Ferron, UT – June 23, 2025** – Wayne L. Kunze, a beloved Ferron resident known for his strong work ethic, love of horses, and dedication to family, passed away on June 20, 2025, at the age of 84. Surrounded by loved ones, his passing marks the end of a life filled with adventure, hard work, and deep connections to the community.
Born in Springville, Utah, on August 11, 1940, to Emil and Donna Kunze, Wayne quickly established himself as an accomplished athlete, excelling in track and football and earning a football scholarship in high school. He served in the Utah National Guard and later became a skilled carpenter and millwright mechanic.
Kunze’s career spanned decades, with significant contributions to various construction projects, including the Flaming Gorge Dam and the Huntington Power Plant, where he eventually became a supervisor for Rocky Mountain Power.
However, Kunze’s true passion was horsemanship. From receiving his first horse at the age of four, he spent years competing in endurance races throughout the Western United States, earning numerous awards and accolades.
He is survived by his wife of over 55 years, Paula Jones Kunze, his children Sharrilee Clonts, Jay D., Jayda Johnson, and Stacy Zampedri, 11 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and children, Dwain, Craig, and Kelly.
“Wayne was a loving father and grandfather,” a family statement read. “He delighted in attending ball games and events with the great grandchildren. He loved to tease and had nick names for everyone he loved.”
Funeral services will be held at Walker Mortuary in Spanish Fork on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 1:00 PM. A viewing will be held prior to the service, starting at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.
The family has expressed their gratitude to Tanner Gardner, Darin Gardner, and Mont Johnson for their support, as well as to hospice nurses Shayla World and Casie Hinkins.
Wayne Kunze will be remembered as a pillar of the community, a dedicated family man, and a true horseman. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched.
First Piper 