James Eugene “Gene” Kunzler, 94, of Lenexa, KS, formerly of Gardner Lake, passed away Sept. 22, 2018 at Health Care Resort of Olathe, KS. Funeral service will be held 12:00 noon Fri., Sept. 28, 2018 at Bruce Funeral Home, 106 S. Center, Gardner, KS (913) 856-7111. Burial follows at Johnson County Memorial Gardens, Overland Park, KS with military honors. Visitation will be held 6:00-8:00 pm Thur., Sept. 27, 2018 at the funeral home with a Masonic service at 6:00 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, Olathe, KS. Condolences may be left at www.brucefuneralhome.com

Gene was born Dec. 5, 1923 in Springfield, MO to George Allison and Ava (Mayfield) Kunzler. He grew up in Springfield, MO. Gene graduated from Willard High School in Willard, MO. He served in the US Marine Corps for three years during WWII. Gene married Diana (Ferguson) Kunzler in Prairie Village, KS on Dec. 31, 1955. After marriage they lived in Overland Park for many years, moving to Gardner Lake in 1969. He was a Local Union #2 sheet metal worker who spent many years at Bendix Corp. in KCMO. Gene was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church, Olathe, KS and Masonic Lodge #436 of Overland Park, KS. He enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing and hunting. Gene will be dearly missed by family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Diana, in 2006 and sisters: Wanda Reynolds and Vivian Sloan. Gene is survived by sons: Gary and wife Anna Kunzler, Oklahoma City, OK and Keith and wife Glynnis Kunzler, MO; daughter, Leslie Kunzler and husband Peter Katolick, Guatay, CA; seven grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and brother, Duane and wife Charlotte Kunzler, Adel, IA.