Richard Dean Kunch, 86, passed away on Monday, October 1, 2024 at the Chariton Hospital. Richard “Dick” was born on August 19, 1938 in Chariton, Iowa to Marjorie (Taylor) and John “Jack” Kunch. Dick graduated from Chariton High School in 1956.

Dick dated Ida Nichols in high school and they were married on August 18, 1956 at the Justice of the Peace in Russell, Iowa. They lived in Chariton, Iowa; San Diego, California; and Guam for 3 years before moving back to Iowa where they lived in LeClaire for a period of time before moving back to Chariton. After leaving the Navy, Dick worked at various jobs until he finally retired. Included in his work history are the United Parcel, US Post Office, Lockridge Lumber CO., Little Audrey Foods Service, rural water, gun arsenal, the rock quarry, the telephone company, the ASC office, and Hy-Vee.

Crystal Correne was born to Dick and Ida on January 17, 1958 and Anthony Dean was born on November 7, 1959. The couple had 3 grandchildren.

Dick was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years; his parents; his children, his sister, Donna Sutton; his brothers Dwain and Don Kunch; his brother-in-law Bert Lockard; his sisters-in-law Ruth Ann and Cheryl; and many extended family members.

He is survived by his brother, Bob (Barb); his sisters, Diane Irving (Buck) and Kathy Lockard, and his brother-in-law, Ron Sutton, as well as many extended family members that will miss his love for life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in Dick’s name to Every Step in Centerville as they took such care of Dick for the last few years.

Dick loved to read and play cribbage. Dick loved hunting in his younger years and then loved feeding the deer as he got older. He was fattening them for other hunters. As many of you know Dick was a collector and attended as many auctions as possible – sometimes 2 or 3 in the same weekend.

No memorial services are planned at this time. The Fielding Funeral Home of Chariton, Iowa is honored to care for and minister to the Kunch family at this time.  

                         At Last

Weep not for me, now that I have gone.

For the tide of life must still flow on,

But think of me at rest with God;

Rough was the road I have trod.

Weep not for me, each fleeting day,

For all of my tears are wiped away.

I lie not out under the sod

But I am safe in the Arms of God

Weep not for me, now that I have gone,

You need your strength to follow on.