Samuel W Kunzler

Our kind and loving Husband, Father, Grandfather and Friend Samuel “Sam” Walter Kunzler returned home to the arms of his loving Heavenly Father, wife and others who love him.

He peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family.

Sam was born July 1, 1944 to Josie Mae Evans & Walter Kunzler in Willard, Utah. He grew up on the family farm where he learned the value of hard work. He graduated from Box Elder High School, and later enlisted in the US Navy in 1964.

After returning from the Navy, He met his lifelong sweetheart JoAnn Braithwaite. They married on September 14, 1968 in Perry, Utah. They were later sealed in the Ogden Temple for time and all eternity on October 30, 1973.

They bought their first home in Perry, Utah, then later built a home in Willard near the family farm. Sam worked for Hill Air Force Base where he retired after 38 years. Sam was a hard worker. He would come home from work every day and then go to work on the family farm.

Sam was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in many callings over the years. Sam and JoAnn served for 3 years as Service Missionaries for the Special Needs Seminary class at Box Elder High School. They truly loved this calling and developed very special bonds with all the students they worked with. They also spent many years serving as Temple Cleaning Coordinators where they made lifelong friends. Sam loved the gospel and loved to share it with his family. He was a great example to those around him. He was especially good at forgiving others.

Sam & JoAnn loved to spend their time together. They loved traveling and went on many memorable vacations with family and friends. They are eternal sweethearts that spent their lives always by each other’s side.

Sam was a true patriot and made sure that those around him knew it and appreciated it just as he did. He was very proud to be an American and to have served his country.

Sam is survived by his 5 Children: Kari (Burt) Miller, Kristi (Robert) Gonzales, Steffanie (Brandon) Jacobson, Sharee (Jay) Thackeray and Justin (Britany) Kunzler, 20 Grandchildren and 7 Great Grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his beautiful Wife of 56 years; 3 of his sweet grandchildren; Jackson Thackeray, Aleister and Freya Kunzler; His parents; His sister Sharon Cambell; Sister in laws: Nila Forsberg and Lani Braithwaite; Brother in laws: Fred Braithwaite and Norman Cambell

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at the Willard LDS Chapel 80 N. 100 W. in Willard, Utah.

Viewings will be held at Gillies funeral Chapel 634 E. 200 S., Brigham City on Friday, May 2nd from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 3rd, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Willard LDS chapel.

Interment will be in the Willard cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by the Box Elder Combined Veterans Honor Guard.

The family would like to give thanks to the staff at the Maple Springs Lighthouse and also CNS Home Health Care and Hospice for their loving care of our sweet Dad.

Dad, until we meet again, your family loves you dearly and will miss you immensely.

The Services will be live streamed at www.gilliesmortuary.com