Donald Kuntze

Donald Lee Kuntze, 78, of Jackson passed away Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Jan. 14, 1937, in Jackson, the son of Albert and Lydia F. Wedekind Kuntze. Don married Dorothy Margrabe on May 12, 1956.

Don was a graduate of Jackson High School. He served in the Missouri National Guard. Don had worked as a printer for the Southeast Missourian in Cape Girardeau and later for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch from where he retired in 1993. He and his wife, Dorothy, returned to Jackson in 2002. Upon returning to Jackson, Don was a very successful entrepreneur having started several business ventures. He was also a big supporter and booster of the Jackson Indians, Missouri Tigers and the St. Louis Cardinals. He was very active and involved in his children's activities, having coached them in baseball, softball and basketball. He also enjoyed following his grandchildren's activities.

Survivors include his loving wife, Dorothy, of over 59 years; two sons, Steve (Angie) Kuntze and Mark Kuntze; two daughters, Debby (Paul) Schiavo and Shari Ketchel, all of St. Louis; six grandchildren, Amanda, Jason (Maggie), Kristi (Justin), Ryan, Chris (Kaitlin) and Matthew; four great-grandchildren, Tori, Molly, Samantha and Brooke; and a sister, Shirley Booth of Jackson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. until time of service Tuesday at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the American Heart Association.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.