A Father's Love is Forever

Russell Lamar Kunzler, 63, was greeted with unimaginable joy by his daughter, Kamille, and many beloved family members as he left this mortal life after a valiant battle with poor health Monday, February 22, 2021. Lamar was born September 24, 1957 to Russell Max and Twila Manwill Kunzler, the third of seven children. Lamar married Nadine Warren on February 12, 1982 in the Jordan River Temple for time and eternity. They were blessed with 5 wonderful children.

Lamar learned a strong work ethic from his father early in life and began working as a young teenager mowing lawns, washing cars at Whiting Motors, working for Cowley’s Farm and Feed in Venice, including a couple of summers working with his brother, Bill, laying fence up on the mountain. There was also time spent at his Uncle Glen’s orchard working in the orchard with his cousins picking cherries in Willard.

Lamar graduated from Richfield High School and then served a mission to Barcelona, Spain for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He learned that even halfway around the world, people still knew of his parents’ reputation and honorable family name. Throughout his life he magnified this family name in his actions and business dealings. He taught his children to do the same.

After his mission, he went to Dixie College and graduated with his Associates, then attended Utah State University in Logan, graduating with a Bachelors in Agricultural Business. He loved to develop new talents like flying. While at Dixie he got his pilot's license which was always one of his loves.

After college, he got a job and started his career in Agricultural/Finance with the Federal Land Bank. His work took the family to many different areas to live: Richfield, Venice and Cedar City, Utah; Coachella and Ripon, California; Spring Creek, Nevada and finally to Hinckley, Utah. Because of his personality and big heart, the family made many lasting friendships. He then started working for Zions Bank and transferred to the Delta branch. After leaving Zions he worked for Farmers Insurance.

Lamar had a heart attack in 2009 which left him with only part of his heart functioning. That didn’t limit how big his heart was for others. He has often said, “That every day since that time has been a wonderful gift.”

With his many health issues he still worked until recently at the Chevron where he loved to be able to talk with people and get to know them and their interests. He always tried to brighten the day for others. No matter how bad he may be feeling, he never complained and was always positive about his trials. When someone asked how he was, he replied “I’m doing really good!”

Lamar’s life revolved around his family. He loved spending time with his kids and grandkids. He expressed how lately he has loved going on day trips with Nadine around parts of central and southern Utah. Lamar was a great storyteller and loved telling stories and past memories. He loved to garden and enjoyed bottling the things he grew. He loved barbecueing and had a knack for picking out all the spices in his favorite restaurant meals, then at home, recreating them from scratch.

Lamar has a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a devoted and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many callings including counselor in the bishopric and counselor in the Stake YM Presidency. Lamar served as a temple ordinance worker at the Payson Temple. He loved working in the temple and enjoyed the blessings and peace that it brought to him and his family as he served there.

He was always service minded and helped many in need. He served his community, often working the 4th of July and Pioneer Day Celebrations with his family.

Survived by wife: Nadine, Hinckley; children: Kristen, Phoenix, AZ; Kara (Josh) Springer, Nephi; John (Shantelle) Spanish Fork; Jason (Rachel), Taylorsville; grandchildren: Reagan, Gunner, Berkley, Zoe and Phineas; brothers: William “Bill” (Kandie), Max (Donna) and Steven (Holly) Kunzler; sister: Lynette (Jack) White; sister-in-law: JoAnn Kunzler. Preceded in death by daughter: Kamille; parents: Russell and Twila Kunzler; brother: Richard Lee (JoAnn) Kunzler; sister: Velma Kathlene Kunzler; Nadine’s parents: Weston and LeFon Warren; and niece: Jami Lynette White.

    You will always be in our thoughts, forever in our hearts!

His Family gives special thanks to those who have given such excellent care to him the last several years: his doctors, nurses and DaVita Dialysis. A Heartfelt Thank You to the friends, neighbors and members of the ward who have unselfishly helped with rides to dialysis, and in many other ways, have given their support and love.

Everyone is invited to his Funeral Service on Saturday, March 6, 3:00 pm, Hinckley LDS Chapel. A Viewing will be held 1:30-2:40 pm, prior to the service. Masks are Required. Friends are invited to view the recorded video of the Funeral Service at: https://youtu.be/YcTvb-0fKV0. Burial will follow in the Delta City Cemetery.