Florence “Flo” Kunst, of Stevens Point, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2023, at Dimensions Assisted Living, at the age of 85.

Flo was born June 16, 1938 in the Town of Dupont, near Clintonville, WI; daughter of the late Rueben and Elda (Braatz) Hauschultz. She grew up in the area, moving to nearby Marion and attending local schools. In 1956, she graduated from Marion High School.

On October 19, 1957, Flo married Albert Kunst in Marion, WI, and the two began building a life together; Albert working for the railroad and Flo devoting herself as a loving homemaker. Shortly after being married, the two moved to Illinois where their first two children were born. After moving to Fond du Lac, they welcomed their third child. Their fourth and final child joined their family after they moved to the Stevens Point/Plover area. The family remained in this area and eventually moved to Shantytown where Flo began working at Discount 70 and Thrifty Grocery Store. Upon retirement, the couple made one last move into Stevens Point. Here, Flo soaked up every minute she could with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, adoringly watching them grow. She was extremely proud of her family and was always there when they needed her, whether it was a helping hand, advice, or just a shoulder to cry on. She went above and beyond to help and support those she loved.

Following retirement, both Flo and Albert became involved in the Moose Lodge. Flo was a proud and active member of the Ladies of the Moose and truly made a name for herself there. She demonstrated a strong commitment to the Lodge through her volunteer work and committee participation. Her dedication was rewarded with one of the highest honors when she received the Red Shawl.

Flo had a zest for life, adventuring out in the world through her travels, collecting thimbles along the way, and participating in activities such as bowling and Bingo. On the other hand, she also had a quiet side to her, reveling in peaceful moments of reading, watching old Western movies or the Game Show Network, crocheting, and even some swooning over Elvis. Furthermore, she enjoyed just being outside and had a strong interest in nature and wildlife; spending many quiet moments watching deer and birds in her yard, especially her favorite bird, the cardinal. She saw beauty in flowers and even had a favorite flower for each season. Flo took great joy in decorating for each season as well; but especially Christmas. Christmastime was her favorite - from the decorating, to the baking, to the family traditions she set in place. While Flo loved to cook and bake all year, when the Holidays came around, she spent endless hours in the kitchen, making breads, cookies, and other treats. She often sent these goodies home with her family so they didn’t have to worry about the baking during the rush of the holiday season. Whenever she could, she worked hard to pass her recipes along to her family, teaching them how to make Danish puff, pumpkin bars, and oyster stew, to name a few. She truly made every holiday special, making memories with the children while frosting cookies or decorating eggs. Flo’s love of life went well beyond the kitchen, sharing her love and laughter in every way she could!

Flo is survived by her husband, Albert; her children, Dennis (Doris Riske) Kunst of Plover, Annette (Steve) Lassa of Mosinee, and Howard (Kelly) Kunst of Irving, TX; her grandchildren, Jeremy Kunst of Plover, Nate (Wendy) Lassa of Rosholt, Michael Lassa of Stevens Point, and Jennifer Lassa of Bancroft; and 2 great grandchildren.

Flo was preceded in death by her parents, Rueben and Elda; a son, Donald Kunst (passed in 2017); and a brother, Jerry Hauschultz.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to Dimensions Assisted Living Center and Hospice as well as Home Instead, for the care and compassion shown to Flo and her family.

A funeral service will be held for Flo at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at Trinity Lutheran Church - 1410 Rogers Street, Stevens Point. Pastor Joyce Heinz will officiate. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories on Saturday at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of service. The burial will take place in the spring at Roseland Cemetery in Marion, WI.

Shuda Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.