Elwood C. Kuentzler II

Elwood “Butch” Charles Kuentzler, II, age 74 of Goodyear, AZ passed away on December 14, 2025. He is preceded in death by his wife Judith A. Kuentzler. He was born February 5, 1951, to Violet and Elwood Charles Kuentzler, I. He was a graduate of York Catholic High School in York, PA. After graduating he worked part time for several years at the Yankee Café and York Casket before landing a career as a traveling sales representative for Lepco Lawn & Parts Equipment. He worked for Lepco Lawn & Parts equipment for 38 years until he retired in 2013. Butch also coached and mentored the St. Mary’s girls’ basketball team in York, PA for several years and led them to several championship wins. He also played basketball in the Old Timers league until his knees gave out.

Butch and Judy purchased their home in Goodyear, AZ in 2005 and traveled back and forth from PA to AZ until Butch retired and then made the move permanent.

Butch “Pap” was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He has 7 grandchildren, one is deceased. Pap was a big kid at heart. He loved assembling various Sponge Bob lego sets with the grandkids, which have their own display case in his living room. He has two great grandchildren and one on the way. Due to be born in January.

Butch had the most contagious smile, heart of gold, unwavering faith, and monumental love for his family. Once you were in the family fold there was no letting you go and he loved you unconditionally. He was a true patriot fighting for the rights of our country and our children in the school system.

Butch helped launch The Church at Estrella (TCE) as the First Impression Team leader in 2017. He later became a Jesus follower and was baptized in 2019. Butch then became one of the first Elders at TCE in January 2025.

There isn’t enough room to record the impact Butch had on the lives he touched as husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and patriot.

He is survived by his daughter Melissa Fry, sister Sandy Long, brother-in-law Jimmy Crumling, and several cousins.

He is preceded in death by his wife Judy Kuentzler, sister Lonnie Snyder, son Shawn Kuentzler, daughter Christine Brooks, and sister-in-law Joanne Crumling.