Michael Ruben Kundert

1961 - 2015

Michael Ruben Kundert age 53, husband, father and owner of Kundert Bros. Farms Inc., passed away peacefully Monday the 15th of June, 2015.
Michael was born on November 18, 1961 in Bakersfield, California to Ronald and Janet Kundert. He was a graduate of Arvin High School and attended Cal State Bakersfield. He married his high school sweetheart Michelle (Handel) Kundert in 1983 and had three children; Chelsea, Ross and Sydney. He was blessed with a wonderful family life.
Michael was a third generation farmer. His grandfather, Ruben Kundert, began growing potatoes in Edison, Ca. under Kundert & Sons farm in 1946. Upon Ruben's death in 1981 his sons Ronald and Larry Kundert, continued the family business and changed the farms name to Kundert Brothers. Michael left college at this time to work with his father and uncle on the farm. In 1987, he became partners in the family business with his father and became sole owner upon his father's passing in 2007. He continued to grow the business and became a pioneer in the development of growing, harvesting and marketing specialty potatoes in the San Joaquin Valley and was well respected in the farming industry.
Michael was dedicated to his family, business and employees. If you knew Michael, you knew a man who was the epitome of a loving husband and father, a diligent worker, an employer who cared for the welfare of his employees; a genuinely good man. He will be greatly missed.
Michael is survived by his wife of 32 years, Michelle Kundert; daughter and son-in-law Chelsea and Thomas Copeland, son Ross Kundert and daughter Sydney Kundert; his sister Connie Scott and her husband Bob; his father and mother-in-law Jerry and Betty Handel; and many brother and sister-in-laws, nephews, nieces, cousins, family and friends.
A viewing will be held 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19th and services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 20, 2015 at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, Ca. 93306.
The family would like to thank neurologist, Doctor Geri Williams and Doctor Keith Seidenstricker for their assistance and care.