Tristan "T" Kunze

Tristan Otto Kunze was born on May 14, 1998, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Sioux City, Iowa, to Roger and Patricia “Patty” (Kastner) Kunze. He grew up in Ute, Iowa, and was baptized and confirmed in his faith at St. John Lutheran Church.

Tristan graduated from Charter Oak-Ute High School in 2016. During his school years, he was actively involved in FFA, the golf team, and the Charter Oak 4-H Club. He enjoyed showing cattle, participating in the Ortner Scholarship Foundation, and taking part in the church’s LYF group. In his free time, he loved driving his cherished 1998 Dodge truck, a pastime that brought him great joy.

He was a hard worker throughout high school, frequently mowing lawns. After graduation, Tristan attended Iowa Central Community College, where he earned a degree in diesel mechanics. Following college, he worked for Ampride in Denison and at the convenience store in Ute. Most recently, he was employed at Midwest Industries as a shag driver and in the truck shop. Tristan was always willing to lend a hand, whether helping in Rod’s shop or fixing anything that needed repair.

Tristan had a love for simple pleasures in life. He enjoyed playing card games like Euchre and Dummy Rummy and camping at various spots, especially at Grey’s Landing between Castana and Mapleton. He was a warm and sociable person who loved gathering with friends for Thursday wing night in Ute, steak nights in Soldier, and other shared meals and gatherings.

A passion he shared with his father was his love for John Deere antique tractors, often helping his cousins and dad transport them and driving them in parades. He also found fulfillment serving as an usher at St. John Lutheran Church.

Tristan passed away at Crawford County Memorial Hospital on Sunday, December 22, 2024, surrounded by his family, after complications from a cancer diagnosis. He was 26 years, 7 months, and 8 days old. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Dianna Kastner, and paternal grandmother, Jane Kunze.

Tristan is survived by his parents, Roger and Patty Kunze, and his brother, Trey Kunze, all of Ute; maternal grandfather, Larry Kastner of Ute; paternal grandfather, Otto Kunze of Ute; and aunts and uncles: Tammy Schmitz (Alan) of Dedham, Tracy Kastner (Lisa) of Frisco, TX, Erica Kragel (Mike Kluver) of Ute, Randy Kunze (Linda) of Charter Oak, Rod Kunze (Becky) of Charter Oak, Cherri Lee (Bruce) of Charter Oak, Charlys Folk (Larry) of Battle Creek, and Ryan Kunze of Ute; as well as numerous cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Visitation with family and friends will be held on Thursday, December 26, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak. The funeral service will be held on Friday, December 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., also at the church. Burial will follow at Morgan Cemetery in Schleswig. Memorials may be directed to the family and will be allocated to organizations meaningful to Tristan’s life and legacy.