Donald Kuenzi

Donald “Don” Lee Kuenzi, age 79, of Kiowa, Kansas, passed away on October 30, 2022 at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas. Don was born on April 17, 1943 to Fred Kuenzi and Pauline (Wagner) Kuenzi in Anthony, Kansas. After attending and graduating from Kiowa High School in 1961, he joined the United States Marine Corps.  He served from November 1961 to June 1966 and was stationed in Hawaii, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, Guam, and South Vietnam. After being discharged from the military, he attended Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Oklahoma for two years. He then worked eight months for Cessna Military which led him to his job with Dylelectronics and the United States Air Force on the modification of the F4 Phantom Jets in Misawa, Japan. After his time overseas, Don decided to come back to Kiowa. He then purchased a fertilizer application unit and was employed by the Kiowa OK Grain Co-op for seven years. In 1974, he founded Kuenzi Trucking where he hauled livestock and grain commodities for twenty-six years. Don was a life member of the VFW, and he spearheaded several local projects and assisted many veterans in various capacities. Don was a very passionate individual who was dedicated to lifelong learning. After retiring from Kuenzi Trucking in 2000, Don spent his time traveling, attending local high school sporting events, and photographing nature and wildlife. His travels took him many places, most notably to Switzerland and Germany where he visited the residences of both maternal and paternal grandparents. It was a lifelong dream of Don's to walk where his ancestors had walked. Additionally, Don loved investing in special individuals throughout the community who challenged themselves academically and in life endeavors.

Don is preceded in death by parents, Fred Kuenzi and Pauline (Wagner) Kuenzi.

He is survived by many cousins and special friends that were like family. Before his death, Don requested a graveside service be held on Memorial Day. More information will be available at a later date.  Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc, of Kiowa.  www.lanmanmemorials.com  Facebook: Lanman Funeral Home Inc.

Memorials may be made to the Kiowa Historical Society or the Kiowa VFW through Lanman Funeral Home.