Farrell J. Kunz

It is with great sadness that we announce that Farrell J. Kunz, 89, of Victor, Idaho, passed away peacefully in South Jordan, UT, on November 19, 2024, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease caused by his valiant service in Viet Nam. 

Farrell was born on March 13, 1935, to Burton and Leatha (Moffat) Kunz in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Farrell lived a life full of many achievements. He was an all-around athlete in his younger years, excelling in baseball, basketball, skiing, hunting, golf and bowling. He was also known and loved for having foot races with his grandkids from time to time. Some of his most prized achievements in sports included striking out 17 batters in one game in high school and bowling a 297 game in his 80s. He graduated from Teton High School in 1953. He served in the Central States Mission from 1955-57. He literally fought for and won the heart of his high school sweetheart, Colleen Beardall of Victor, ID. They were married on September 12, 1957, in the Logan LDS Temple. They welcomed five daughters into the world and that fact may have been his greatest challenge in life; being so outnumbered. Farrell and Colleen and family lived in many places throughout the U.S. and abroad including Hawaii and also an International assignment in Belgium.

Farrell graduated from Utah State University in 1960, majoring in Political Science. In 1977, he also completed a Masters from USC. He began his military career in 1960 and achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel over his 24 years of service in Military Intelligence. He served two tours in Viet Nam. Some highlights from his military career included two tours at the Pentagon in Washington D.C., and, as the head of the Army ROTC Program at Utah State in Logan, UT. While in Washington D.C., he was the Head of Security for the public viewing of the Washington D.C. LDS Temple where 800,000 people visited, including many diplomats. Upon retiring from the military in 1987, he enjoyed a second career as the Director of Security for Honeywell, Inc. based out of Minneapolis, MN. He retired from Honeywell in 1997 and then resided in Springville, UT, where he and Colleen reconnected with many dear, lifetime friends. Farrell and Colleen were members of the golf leagues at Hobble Creek Golf Course, participated in bowling leagues and the Senior Games throughout their time in Springville.

Farrell was a devout and dedicated member of the LDS faith and someone who lived his life striving to live according to the teachings of Jesus Christ. He was a leader and counselor for many people serving in many capacities for his church. Farrell and Colleen served in the Kirkland, OH mission together in 2001-2002 and developed many friendships from that time that still exist today. 

People who worked for and with him in his professional life described him as a problem solver, a trusted confidant, and skilled at remaining calm under pressure. A true leader possessing the qualities of loyalty, honesty, equity, integrity and respect for all. Farrell learned very young the value of hard work, growing up on a rural farm in Idaho, and he exemplified the value of hard work that he demonstrated during his two successful careers. Farrell was a brave and honorable man. He risked his life daily running reconnaissance missions in Viet Nam. He was a great protector and provider. He was someone willing to take up your cause and ensure justice was served. He had the talent of discernment. It was very difficult to “pull the wool over his eyes” (much to the chagrin of his five daughters). He particularly enjoyed driving long distances and drove his entire family across country several times, giving his daughters many fond memories of togetherness as a family. He prided himself in his ability to find and fight for the truth. He was an adventurer and he and the love of his life, Colleen, travelled the world together. 

Farrell was preceded in death by his siblings Linda, Cleon, Jan, and LaRell. He leaves behind his wife Colleen and their children: Dena (Mike) Mallory, Debbie (Steve) Nunes, Sharie Kunz, Shellie Kunz, and Kristi Smith. Farrell is survived by his sister Susan Kunz Martell and many nieces and nephews.

He was a wonderful grandfather to 12 and great grandfather to 14. He was beloved by them all. 

Services will be held at Veterans Memorial Cemetery (17111 S. Camp Williams Rd., Bluffdale, UT) on December 3rd, 2024, at 12:00 noon. A viewing will precede those services from 11:00 am-12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page.