Christopher James Kunze

Christopher James Kunze passed away peacefully at home on March 30, 2024. Chris was born in Cleveland, Ohio to James and Moira (Carlin) Kunze who preceded him in death. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, Tina Kunze, his son Brennan Kunze, bonus daughters; Megan Oswalt (Lane) and Elizabeth Anderson (Carter), his adored grandchildren; Brooks Oswalt, Millie Oswalt, and soon to arrive grandson, Hudson Anderson, his siblings; Jennifer Kunze Maddox (Andy) and Scott Kunze (Laura); and nephews and nieces, Drew Maddox (Taylor), Will Maddox, Garrett Kunze, and Carlin Kunze; great-nephew, Samuel Maddox, mother in law, Marie Lorino, and ex-wife, Brennan’s mother, and friend, Margaret Ismail (Paul).

Chris spent his early childhood in Cleveland before his family moved to Birmingham. Chris attended Shades Valley High School and graduated from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. After college, Chris began his more than 30-year career in sales. Chris was charismatic and drew people to him making him a remarkably successful salesman. His career took him to over 50 countries and helped him build lasting friendships around the world. His travels took him to Australia, Denmark, Dubai, China, Germany, India, Thailand, France, Italy, Sweden, and his beloved Ireland just to name a few. He developed an appreciation for different cultures, religions, and foods. He found joy in surprising Brennan with authentic gifts from his travels.

He was an amazing father to Brennan. He loved coaching and participating in Brennan’s love of soccer, lacrosse, and flying. He was a husband who adored and cherished his wife. Chris and Tina were each other’s first loves at 14 years old and found each other again after 32 years.

Chris was a man of many passions. Cooking (absolute chef level!), music (his favorite was 80’s Punk), art, and Cleveland Browns football. In earlier years he was an avid cyclist, often riding 100 miles in a day. He also loved cars, especially his Porsche 911. He loved taking on home projects even though he created new and colorful cuss words as he did them. He was good at it all and there was nothing he could not do.

More than anything Chris was a man who loved and lived BIG. If he loved you, you knew it. He gave bone crushing hugs. He made sure that he created lasting memories for his family through holidays, playing games, cooking together, and family vacations. He was fun and so funny. He told the best stories.

Friends and family will gather to celebrate Chris’ life on Friday, April 5, 2024, at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 2061 Patton Chapel Road, Hoover, AL 35226. There will be a visitation from 10am-11am followed by a mass. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be sent to the American Heart Association.