Brass band plays at funeral for cymbalist

ST. LOUIS -- There were no dry eyes at the funeral Mass for William Kuntscher when the Deutschmeister Brass Band struck up a melancholy farewell ode to a fallen comrade.

Kuntscher, an eccentric and simple man, was the band's soul, mascot and cymbal player. Friends say the lonely, miserly bachelor who was murdered -- possibly for his money -- found his hope in life from German music, his spoiled beagle Freckles, baseball and beer.

Normally, the church would not permit a German brass band to play at a funeral, the Rev. James Telthorst said at a funeral Friday, a week after police filed murder charges in the case.

"But when I heard how it saved him from depression and despondency, I realized it was the sound of salvation in his ear."

Band members recalled that the 76-year-old Kuntscher's passion for the band began the first time he heard them play in a St. Louis club in 1965. Though not a musician, he played cymbals for the group and stuck to them like family for 38 years.

Kuntscher and the band played at the annual downtown Strassenfest and other events to promote and celebrate German culture.

"He was our buddy, our pal, our friend, who'd always show up and assure me when people were late that 'they'll be here,'" musical director Nellie Edelmann said.

Neighbor Rich Rounds, said Kuntscher wore the same clothes for days, but cleaned up for band practice and performances. "He was his own person, kind of crazy," Rounds said. "But he'd do anything for you."

Kuntscher's house and yard were a mishmash of jars, metal tubs and junk he couldn't bear to throw away.

He'd lay old carpet on the alley behind his house to kill the grass, Rounds said, and he had so much junk in his garage he'd crush right through it to fit his car in.

On Jan. 13, police discovered a frightened Freckles and Kuntscher's body, bludgeoned with an ax or hatchet. Officers were led to the home after receiving a call from acquaintance Dennis Hinkle of St. Louis County, to check on Kuntscher.

Police charged Hinkle last week, claiming he killed Kuntscher in a plan to gain part of the victim's estate.

Police on Friday did not rule out additional arrests, saying the case remains under investigation.