John "Rick" Kunowski

November 15, 1946 – April 20, 2025

Rick Kunowski, 78, left this world on Sunday, April 20, 2025—just shy of finishing one more season of classic re-runs and possibly sneaking in another Reese’s peanut butter egg. We suspect he’s already scouting out a good pool table and a decent milkshake in Heaven.

Rick was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He proudly served his country after being drafted into the Army for the Vietnam War, where he not only endured the chaos of battle but survived being hit with shrapnel while writing a letter home to Diane—his beloved wife of 57 years. His helmet saved his life that day. Love probably helped, too.

Though he carried the invisible wounds of war in the form of PTSD, Rick did not let it define him. Instead, he faced each day with grit, humor, and the kind of warmth that made everyone feel like family. His life is a testament to resilience, and we honor not only him but all military and veterans whose courage often comes with quiet suffering.

Rick wore many titles in his life: soldier, Christian, husband, dad, Grampa, Frito-Lay man, friend, milkshake aficionado, and king of quips. He was a longtime resident of Bossier Parish after living 22 years in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, with Diane, where they built a life rich in family, church involvement, and reruns of “Columbo.” His favorite hobby—aside from sharing dad jokes—was playing pool and teaching his grandkids how to win (with subtle nudges and dramatically missed shots, of course).

He attended every school lunch, book fair, cheer performance, and band concert. If his grandkids were involved, he was in the front row. He was the man who was the most supportive, liked every Facebook post, and played “school” like it was the most important game on earth.

Rick had a treasure chest of phrases that became part of his legacy. After the national anthem? “Play ball.” A sneeze? “Gesundheit.” A burp? “Good one.” Someone acting up? “Weisenheimer.” And of course, his Polish classic: “Dupa.” He was a man of few words at times—but the ones he chose? Iconic.

He leaves behind his dear wife Diane; daughters Kendra Hastie (Kevin) and Kristine Niestoeckel; grandchildren John Hastie (Caitlin), Hannah Kelley (Matthew), Kathryn Niestoeckel, and Kaitlyn Niestoeckel; great-grandchildren Aiden and Owen Hastie; and several nieces, nephews, friends, and his loyal four-legged best friend, Gina. His prized possession was always his family—although chocolate graham cracker cake might be a close second.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ann (Kamienski) Kunowski and his sister, Paula Reagan.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 28, 2025, at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 7970 Mike Clark Rd., Keithville, LA 71047.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to K9s For Warriors in Rick’s honor—a fitting tribute for a man who believed deeply in second chances and loyal companions.

Rick used to say, when passing a cemetery, “People are dying to get in here.” Now that he’s there, we like to think he’s making friends, cracking jokes, and maybe—just maybe—letting someone else win at pool.

He will be missed beyond measure. But his wit, his love, and his big-hearted presence will echo through every laugh, every memory, and every game played with a little extra heart.