Raymond John Kunze

Raymond John Kunze

League City, TX - Raymond John Kunze, age 90, of League City, TX, formerly of East Lansing, MI, died on Sunday, November 4, 2018 at home.

Dr. Kunze retired in 1993 as a professor emeritus of Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI. He served as a full professor for most of his career in the Crop and Soil Sciences Department of MSU.

He attended Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, receiving both his undergraduate and master's degrees there. He enrolled in the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) and served in the Korean conflict for two years. He received his Ph.D. in Soil Physics from Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, in 1960.

Raymond was the youngest child of Hermine (nee Moerbe) and John P. Kunze of Warda, TX. In 1951, he and Margaret Ann Rebsch were married at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, La Grange, TX. They were blessed with healthy children and led quiet yet busy lives. Raymond was very active in their church, serving in many capacities over the years.

After the death of his first wife, Margaret, Raymond married Evelyn Rhodes of Clearlake, TX, in 1996. They made their home in several Texas locations and traveled frequently while their health was good.

Raymond was a Texas Aggie fan throughout his life. He always enjoyed contract and duplicate bridge, whether with his spouse, friends or university colleagues over daily lunchtime games. He was a lifelong competitor, enjoying baseball, golf and bowling, always seeking to improve his own performance.

Dr. Kunze is survived by his wife, Evelyn Rhodes-Kunze of League City, TX; daughters, Mary E. Sober (Stephnie) of Perry, MI, and Ruth A. Schroeder (Paul) of Rochester, MI; grandchildren, Caroline Sober-James (Ron), Joshua Sober (Leah), Aaron Schroeder, Luke Schroeder and Jessica Post (Jeff). He is survived by five great-grandchildren.

Dr. Kunze is survived by one brother, Dr. Otto R. Kunze of Warda, TX. He is survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

Dr. Kunze was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Dr. George W. Kunze, sister-in-law, Flora Kunze, sister-in-law, Elizabeth Hinsley Kunze, his sister, Doris Kunze Teinert, brother-in-law, Herman Teinert and sister-in-law, Alice Kunze.

Arrangements are being made by Crowder Funeral Home of League City, TX. A memorial service was held Saturday, Nov 10.

A private family burial followed the memorial service.