PATRICK KUNZE

  Patrick Kunze, 96, of Fort Frances, Ont., passed away Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at Rainycrest Long-Term Care in Fort Frances.
Pat was born July 12, 1914 in Kalispell, Mont. to John and Frances Kunze. The family moved to Fort Frances when Pat was 12.
As a young man, Pat joined the Royal American Shows, travelling across Canada by railway to help support his family farm.
He then travelled to St. Boniface, Man. to study as a priest. Finding he wasn’t a good fit for the priesthood, he left before completing the training.
He loved being outdoors and worked building barns, cutting wood, and as a carpenter. Pat was a self-taught man; when he was trapping, he would read books, learning everything he could.
In the 1960s, he was united in marriage to Margaret Bouchard and together they settled near the English River, running a tourist camp for many years. The tourists came from all over the world for the excellent fishing, as well as the moose and bear hunting.
When Margaret’s health started to fail, they moved to Ignace, Ont. where they stayed until her passing.
After her passing, Pat returned to Fort Frances. Here he found a circle of friends that he was very close with, especially “his girls” always enjoying their weekly game of cards.
He was predeceased by his parents, John and Frances; brother, Joe; and his wife, Margaret.
Pat leaves behind Margaret’s sons, Sydney and John Bouchard and their families; as well as extended family at Rose Manor (the card players).
Cremation has taken place at Rainy River Crematory in International Falls, Mn.
An interment will be held at the Ignace Cemetery in the summer.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the charity of your choice c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com