Marvin Arthur Kunde

Marvin Arthur Kunde of Oregon, IL passed away peacefully with his family by his side in Rockford, IL on January 26, 2023. He was born in Dixon, IL on June 24, 1939 to Arthur Walter Ferdinand Kunde and Leota Helen (Howe) Kunde. Marvin graduated from Dixon Highschool in 1957.

Marvin served in the US Air Force for eleven years as a EOD Technician and served in Vietnam. Being in the military was something Marvin was very proud of.  On special holidays he would fly all his flags on his fence, while people driving by would admire his garage door where he painted the famous POW MIA symbol.

After leaving the Air Force Marvin came back to the Dixon area. His Dixon friends remember him as a DJ at WIXN which was one of the jobs he loved most.

Marvin spent most of his adult life living in Oregon, IL. In Oregon Marvin ran many businesss, including the Standard Oil Station as well as the Oregon Aire Restaurant. His most recent job which he retired from was Head Chef at White Pines State Park Restaurant where he was famous for his raspberry pies. Employees have fond memories of his funny personality and willingness to teach others hard work and dedication, often times calling him a father figure.

In retirement Marvin enjoyed playing bass guitar in the band, Lyle Grobe and the Rhythm Ramblers where he had many dear friends. He spent many hours working on his artwork or just sitting in his music room cranking up the music. He loved collecting antique’s and restoring old clocks and lamps. But mostly he just loved spending time with family and his best buddy, his cat Junior aka “JR”.

Marvin made a friend everywhere he went. No one was a stranger. He loved to joke, and had a funny sarcastic kind of personality. He was quick witted and was loved by most anyone who met him.

He leaves behind so many friends and family that will miss him dearly, especially seeing him out on his bike, wearing his florescent sweatpants.

Survivors include his children; Kerrie(Mike)Bowers, Mike(Dawn)Kunde, Wayne(Tonya) Kunde, Shari(Will) Stump. Grandchildren; Amanda(Nikolas)Manthei, Brandon(Alyse)Bolhous, Craig(Iris)Bowers, Erica(Jeremy)Chamness, Shawn(Kendahl)Kunde, Lyndsey(Kyle)Jacob, Jenna(Nick)Takacs, Jacob(Kelsey)Kunde, Tarah(Jake)Ziegler. Great Grandchildren; Alivia, Gwendalyn, Abram, Mattis, Halle, Brayden, Brooklyn, Libby, Kolby, Lucille, Josephine, Jaxon, Kirah, Selah, and Baby Ziegler who will be arriving June of 2023. Great Great Grandchildren; Owen, Bentley, and Asher. Siblings; “Butch” LaVern(Judy) Kunde, Marcia Vaskie and Doris Pierce. Many cousins, nieces and nephews. Former son in law Dave Bolhous. Close Friends; Carolyn Hackbarth and Jerry Frana. And “JR” the cat.

Marvin was preceded by his parents, brother in law Mike Vaskie, grandson Scott Bowers and his special furry friend “Turd Bird” the dog.

The family will have a Celebration of Life with Military Honors at the Oregon VFW at a later date.

In Lieu of flowers memorials and condolences can be sent to Shari Stump at 407 Clay Street, Oregon, IL 61061. The family will decide at later date where to dedicate the memorial to.

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