Ralph J. Kunz

Ralph J. Kunz “Mayor of Five Points” OGDEN – Ralph Jacob Kunz passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, July 25, 2009. He was born July 28, 1924 in Ogden, a son of Rudolph and Elizabeth Kunz, one of seven children. Ralph served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS St. Louis. His great-grandkids loved to hear his Navy stories. On April 19, 1947, Ralph married Carmen Chappell of Ogden. Carmen preceded him in death on January 4, 1997. After working at the Southern Pacific Railroad in his early years, Ralph opened a Chevron Service Station located at Five Points in Ogden. Ralph’s station did not only provide automotive services. This is where many lifelong friendships were made. Ralph had a way of making everyone around him feel welcome. So welcome, some never wanted to leave. Ralph was just the kind of guy everyone wanted to be around. So when his Station closed, the crew started meeting at Wangsgard for coffee, and this is where he became known as the “unofficial” Mayor of Five Points. Ralph also loved to drive. So his job at the bank of Utah was perfect as he was a runner from Ogden to Salt Lake City for 12 years. Ralph often expressed his love and appreciation for his four sons, who were the pride and joy of his life. Ralph is survived by four sons, Tom and Donna Kunz, Denville, NJ; Nick and Nan Kunz, Plain City; Ralph and Jackie Kunz, Ogden; Mike and Sandra Kunz, Oklahoma City, OK; 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, which were the apples of his eye. He is also survived by two sisters, Leda Watkins and June Beckstead; two brothers, James (Eva) Kunz and Gene (Pat) Kunz; and his lifelong friend, Lucy Parkinson. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, his wife, one brother and one sister. Special thanks to Lucy for all she did for our sweet Dad and Grandpa. She made him smile just as being around all of his family and friends made that big smile of his shine. Thanks for teaching us perseverance, hard work and to always race past the finish line. You did this until your last day on earth. His love, laugh and hugs will be missed, but his kind words and twinkle in his eyes will never be forgotten. We love you. Graveside services will be held Friday at 9 a.m. at Lindquist’s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Road. Friends may call at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd., on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. Send condolences to the family at: www.lindquistmortuary.com