Don and Judy Kuntzman

In Loving Memory of Don and Judy Kuntzman

How can you summarize two fruitful lives of 91 years, and a marriage of over 70 years? The verse inscribed inside Don and Judy’s wedding rings says it best: “This God is our God, He will be our guide forever and ever, even unto death” (Psalm 48:14). If there is one word that defined the rhythm of their life together, it was FAITHFUL—faithful to their God, faithful to each other, to their children, friends, church, and in countless quiet ways known only to the Lord.

Both born in Detroit—Judy on December 11, 1934, and Don on January 29, 1935—their story began early. Don always loved to tease that he first spotted Judy across the way in the hospital nursery. While that was classic Don humor, their true spark ignited 15 years later on the steps of their church after youth group, when Don asked Judy on a date: a Boblo Boat VCY cruise. Judy said yes, launching a lifelong romance between two vibrant Cooley High School sweethearts. Don was the star athlete, charmer, prankster, and bright student; Judy was the gifted musician, playing clarinet in the marching band and traveling Michigan singing in a VCY sextet.

Their bond grew as Don studied engineering at the General Motors Institute and Judy studied library science at Wayne State University. At age 20, Don proposed, Judy said yes, and they married shortly after turning 21 on March 3, 1956. God blessed their home with three children, and they are now lovingly remembered by Debi (Mark) Stone, Bob (Melanie) Kuntzman, and Dave (Julie) Kuntzman.

Don dedicated 46 years to General Motors Corporation. Early on, he resolved to be an intentional, present father—rarely missing a sporting event, concert, or play. His unmistakable, piercing whistle was his signature way of letting his kids know he was cheering them on. Like his father before him, Don found immense joy working in the yard on Hampton and later tending the woods around their retirement home in Muskegon. Boisterous and full of humor, Don made almost every conversation dissolve into laughter.

Judy served as Don’s strong, quiet anchor. Don affectionately called his rock “my ‘Judee,’” a title often followed by an enthusiastic, loud smooch! Judy showered everyone with love through thousands of handwritten notes and letters sent over nine decades to family, friends, and overseas missionaries. Each note arrived thoughtfully filled with birthday wishes, unique tokens, favorite Snoopy clippings, and scripture verses. Above all, Judy was an unparalleled prayer warrior; whenever her children or grandchildren asked for prayer, everyone knew things were about to move.

Over seven decades, their family blossomed to include 15 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren, with more on the way. In their later years, their tenderness toward one another only deepened. As Judy sweetly put it: “Don remembers what I don’t, and I remember how to do what he doesn’t, so we still make a good pair!” Following concurrent hospital stays, Dave brought Don back through the apartment door, and Judy looked up, smiled, and said, “Oh Don, you are home, I missed you!” Don softly replied, “I missed you too.”

It is fitting that after seven decades side by side, God called them home to heaven just four weeks apart. When Judy went home first (July 4, 2026), their separation felt unnatural; when Don followed four weeks later (August 2, 2026), everything felt right again. We rejoice in the sweet certainty of their joyous reunion with their Savior and the loved ones who went before them.

As Judy would regularly remind us of the Lord's boundless goodness: “Now unto Him who is able to do, abundantly, above all that we could ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20).

Celebrate their wonderful legacy of faith and love with us.

— Debi, Bob, and Dave

A Celebration of Life service will be held October 3, 2026 – at 11am - Maranatha Bible Conference, 4759 Lake Harbor Rd, Norton Shores, MI 49441

In Lieu of flowers, the family is encouraging gifts, in memory of Don & Judy Kuntzman, be given to SEND International, an organization committed to planting churches around the world.