John Richard Kunz, Jr.

John Richard Kunz, Jr., age 77, of St. Paul, died peacefully on September 23, 2025, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's. John was quite a man. With many esteemed titles, among them, "John-boy," "Killer Kunz," "Mr. Kunz," "Dad," "Coach," and most importantly "Bop," (i.e., Grandpa), John was known for his leadership, striking presence, his love for life, family, friends, and being a teacher at St. Paul Public Schools. John taught math and computer programming at Highland Park Junior High and Highland Park High School, where he was also the head coach of the math team for 24 seasons. In that time, John's teams won the state title three times, and in 2005, John was inducted into the Minnesota State Mathematics League Hall of Fame. In 2007, John was awarded the William E. Gardner Outstanding Educator Award. He was also President of the St. Paul Teacher's Retirement Fund and a steward for the St. Paul Federation of Teachers. Having taught roughly 40,000 students, John had become a St. Paul schools legend by the time he retired in 2010. John was vivacious, full of life, and always up for an adventure. He loved the ocean, boating on the St. Croix River, and taking care of his perfect yard. His cars were always spotless, inside and out. Most of all, time spent celebrating birthdays and holidays, fishing, playing tennis, golfing, camping, and cutting firewood was what John lived for. He was the consummate big brother, uncle, father, grandpa, and friend. He was the life of the party. He brought happiness and laughter wherever he went. John is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Dee Kunz, and survived by his brother Don Kunz (Mary), wife Robbie, his children, Jessica Allen and Adam Kunz (Cathy), and his beloved grandchildren, Mabel Kunz, and the Allen brothers, Jack, Brooks and Eli. He will be forever missed and always remembered. All are welcome to celebrate John's life on Sun., Oct. 5, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Bennett's Chop, 1305 7th St. W., St Paul, MN 55102. Please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association in lieu of flowers.