Plankowner
Posts: 5024
Location: Gulfport, MS | Subject: Late obit... great career.
Karl William Kunz, CAPT, USN, Ret., 93, passed away on Monday, June 15, 2009, 22 years to the day that his beloved Mary, wife of 47 years, passed away. He met and married Mary in 1939 while stationed in San Diego. Karl was born January 27, 1916 in Kentucky to Lena and Charles Kunz, where his father worked in the coal mines. The family then moved to southern Illinois, where he was raised. As a teenager growing up during the Great Depression, he would ride the rails throughout the neighboring states during the summer months, finding work to help support his family. Rising from these simple roots, Karl truly attained the "American Dream". His many accomplishments, service to his country, success as a businessman, husband and father, perfectly represent what it is to be an American. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Navy and served our country for 23 years. As a Mustang, he rose from a MoMM1(SS) to commissioned Ensign, retiring as a Captain. Karl was in Submarine Service in the Pacific Fleet and during his career served on the USS Lexington, Talbot, S-27, Scorpion, Snook, Blueback, Brill, Capitane, Boarfish, Segundo, Medregal, Mingo, and the Redfish, serving in 10 submarine war patrols. Karl was a decorated WWII veteran and received a Bronze Star "V" Medal for heroic and meritorious service during action in enemy-controlled waters. He was credited in this citation for sinking over 26,000 tons and damaging over 6,000 tons of enemy warships. He also received the following medals: American Defense - one Star, American Theater, Asiatic-Pacific Area - one Star, Philippine Campaign - one Star, World War II Victory Medal, Submarine Combat Pin (one Silver and one Bronze Star) and National Defense Service Medal. Karl attended George Washington University under the Holloway Plan. He was XO on the Medregal and worked on the Loon Missile launch program at Pt. Mugu. In May of '55 Karl trained a Japanese crew on the re-commissioned Mingo. After completion of their training, the Mingo was turned over to the Japanese. In October '55 he became Commanding Officer of the USS Redfish and in September '57 he was appointed Squadron 3 Engineer.
He owned and farmed an orange grove with the help of his brother-in-law, Ozzie Pollett, during the '50's in Camarillo, CA. Since boyhood, Karl loved hunting and fishing and introduced son, Rusty, to his favorite outdoor activities. Much to his eldest daughter's aversion, the family ate everything he caught or shot! After retiring from the Navy in 1959, he worked at Lockheed on the Polaris missile program in Sunnyvale, CA. Karl moved his family to Carmel Valley in 1962, after purchasing the Carmel Valley Egg Ranch, which he and Mary ran for over four years. Finding it difficult to retire, Karl bought the Valley Hills Liquor store in Carmel Valley and Terrace Liquors in Seaside, which he and Mary operated for several years. He was also a Real Estate Broker on the Peninsula, keeping active well into his 70s. When daughter, Dani (at the age of 5), fell in love with horses, he became active in the Carmel Valley Trail and Saddle Club until she left for college. Karl had been a member of the Elks in Monterey and the Carmel River Steelhead Association. He was active in the Sub-Vets of WWII, which then merged with US Submarine Veterans Association. Karl married Doris Cooley of Pacific Grove in 1988. They lived in Pacific Grove, were active in their church and particularly enjoyed square dancing. Her death preceded his by two years. Karl is survived by his three children: daughter, Liane Wilder Pfaff (David) of Carmel, Karl "Rusty" Kunz II (Annette) of Carmel Valley, and his youngest, Danine "Dani" Summers (Gregg) of Scottsdale, AZ; seven grandsons: Rodney's sons, Rob, Danny and David Kunz of San Diego; Liane's son, Lane Wilder of Carmel Valley; Rusty's sons, Kristopher "Randy" and Cameron Kunz of San Francisco; Danine's son, Sean of Scottsdale; and three great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his oldest son, Rodney Kunz and his granddaughter, Lindsey Wilder. Karl's children cannot thank Moana, Mary, Carmen and Lolly of Pacific Rest in Monterey enough for all the loving care they gave to their Dad. The family will have a private service, scattering Karl's ashes at sea. In lieu of flowers, donations in Karl's memory may be made to the Hospice of the Central Coast, P.O. Box 1798. Monterey, CA 93942 or U.S. Submarine Veterans Charitable Foundation, P.O. Box 3870, Silverdale, WA 98383. For more on Karl's life visit www.karlkunz.org.
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Late obit... great career.
