Kirk Kundtz Obituary

, 71, of Chesterland, Ohio, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on December 20, 2024. Born on July 8, 1953, Kirk was named Ewald Edmund Kundtz III at birth and received his nickname of Kirk because he was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Kirk grew up in Shaker Heights and completed high school locally at University School. He then attended Boston College for two years before graduating from Stanford University with a BA in English. After spending a number of years pursuing spiritual endeavors, and even considering a monastic life, Kirk decided to study Medicine. He attended Case Western Reserve medical school, graduating with a degree in internal medicine. Kirk worked as an emergency room physician for more than thirty years, at University Hospitals, Fairview, Lutheran, Richmond, Geauga, and St. Vincent Charity Hospital. He retired in 2021. Kirk was renowned among his former patients and colleagues for the compassionate care he provided throughout the course of his work. Outside the hospital, Kirk's passion was woodworking. A self-taught master craftsman, Kirk filled their home with many of his original pieces of furniture. Beyond their home, his work was featured in Fine Woodworking magazine, in the Canton Museum of Art, and in the Cleveland Museum of Art's May Show, where it was unofficially considered Best of Show. Undoubtedly, Kirk's greatest love and accomplishment was his family and the life they created at their home, Elm Hill Farm, in Chesterland, Ohio. He, along with Marybeth, his beloved wife of 36 years, and his sons Connor and Jeremy (Daiana), created a haven for their countless friends to enjoy bonfires, pond swims, picnics, dinner parties, and (everyone's favorite) barn parties. They hosted weddings of friends and family reunions (complete with Sunday Mass). Kirk's favorite enjoyment was spending a lazy summer afternoon, floating in the pond with his friends and family. There was nothing Kirk loved more than being with his boys, Connor and Jeremy. Kirk's passion for his family and friends, his insatiable curiosity and astounding artistry, his humor, his compassionate care for thousands of ER patients, and his beautiful spirit will live on in everyone fortunate enough to have known and loved him. Kirk truly was a gift to this world. A celebration of Kirk's life will be held at Elm Hill Farm in the summer. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Kirk's memory may be made to the dear Sisters of the Carmelite Monastery in Cleveland Heights, Ohio; or to the Saint Gregory Palamas Monastery in Etna, California (1307 Sawyers Bar Rd., Box 398, Etna, CA 96027). Kirk was preceded in death by his mother Patricia (Patno) and his son, Connor. He is survived by his father Ewald E. Kundtz Jr., his wife Marybeth (Rooney), his son Jeremy (Daiana), and his sisters Mary Beth Schneider (Albert), Kathryn Miki (Masaharu) and Jayne Eiben (Christopher). Arrangements and cremation entrusted to THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS. Online obituary and guestbook at www.DeJohnCares.com

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Published by Cleveland.com from Dec. 27 to Dec. 29, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Kirk Kundtz

Sponsored by The Family.

9 Entries

billy prendergast

January 8, 2025

Marybeth, I cherish the days of our youth, you stood out proudly, defiantly, intelligently. I could never forget. I am so sorry for your loss, and hope the days you had to share with Kirk will keep you warm at night. The laughter may fade, but the shining lights will not. A toke to you and your family. I hope to see you soon.

Patrick McAllister

January 5, 2025

Kirk on a skiing trip with BC buddies.

Patrick McAllister

January 2, 2025

I met Kirk my first day at Boston College in September 1971. We were near each other on the line to register for courses and I was unsure what classes to choose. He shared that he intended to take some Philosophy offerings and I thought...why not. Although Kirk was assigned a dorm room on the upper campus and I was sent to an off campus apartment in nearby Brookline, we became fast friends and spent lots of time together. Kirk was without a doubt one of the gentlest, kindest men that I ever knew. He would often come to 45 Strathmore Rd., the residence shared by me and 30 or so other BC freshman. Kirk was well received by all the others there and joined in the many sing alongs that inevitably broke out in my room. Although I was saddened when Kirk chose to transfer to Stanford in the Fall of `73, I knew that he was better suited to the academic environment there than that offered at Chesnut Hill. I am heartbroken to lose Kirk; just this summer we had an hours long telephone conversation touching on topics ranging from geopolitics to faith and sports to God. I was totally at ease talking to my old friend, and could pick up after a year as though we had just hung up. Kirk was a man with a big heart. He was nonjudgmental and welcoming to all. I am gutted by the news that I learned today but am heartened by the notion that rewards await those who live lives like my good friend Kirk

Henry Billingsley

December 31, 2024

Kirk was a classmate at University School. He was exactly what U.S. strove to produce, a competent, principled, caring man who knew how to work with his hands as well as his head and to find joy in both. I lost track of him, mostly, as we went off in our different directions, he to the west and eventually to medicine, me to the east and eventually to law, but it was an honor to know him and to be even a small part of his life for a brief time. He was, as was written in his yearbook page, "...still here as a person. As people should be." My only regret is that I didn't spend more time in his company. Fair winds, Kirk!

Michael Baumiller

December 31, 2024

So sorry to hear of Kirks passing, Marybeth. I pray hard for you everyday.
Love Michael

Maria Mastrandrea

December 30, 2024

Marybeth, the Mastrandrea family send our heartfelt condolences. We remember Kurt when he lived in our apartment in Little Italy while attending med school. He was a wonderful tenant and custom made furniture for his apartment. We also remember you and what a great couple you were. We are sad to hear of his passing, but so happy to read about the wonderful life you created. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. (Maria Mastrandrea)

Thomas Horvath

December 30, 2024

I worked with Kirk in the ER at Geauga Hospital. I always knew that it was going to be a good night when I got to work and saw that we would be working with Kirk. He was always kind, considerate, and compassionate.

Chiarina Owens

December 29, 2024

I met him once, more than 20 years ago after a minor skiing accident, and never forgot him. Yes, he was the dr. on call when I arrived at the ER. What a vessel of love and honor! No lies in his obituary. Beautiful person

Terry Rabinowitz

December 29, 2024

So sad to get this news. I remember Kirk fondly from our days as classmates together at CWRU School of Medicine. He was a very talented and interesting guy. Condolences to all who are suffering this loss.

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