Arthur Edmond Kunow, 83 of Valparaiso, passed away Sunday, February 25, 2024, after a hard-fought battle with lung cancer. He was born September 17, 1940 in Hammond, IN to the late Arthur E. and Evelyn (Grunewald) Kunow. At the age of 17, Arthur (known as “Red“ at that age) volunteered for the Navy. He graduated from the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, where he was appointed Master-at-Arms, before being honorably discharged. Arthur worked at Ford Motor Company for 32 years, retiring in 1991. During his Ford career, he was a member of UAW 588, a local UAW representative, and a skilled trades journeyman. He also earned an Associate’s Degree in Humanities from Purdue University while working at Ford. In retirement, Arthur and his wife , Barbara, lived in Hamburg, Germany as part of the Purdue University study abroad program where Barbara taught and directed. Arthur studied German and became fluent after living in Hamburg for extended periods. He also devoted time in retirement to composing poetry, woodworking on Hatteras Island in North Carolina, and his passion for music. Arthur was an active member of the Valparaiso University Community Band and the German Band, playing the euphonium at seasonal concerts throughout the local area over many years.
Arthur is survived by his wife of 47 years, Professor Barbara E. Kienbaum; sons, Douglas and Jason Kunow; grandson, Troy; and sister, Deborah (Bob) Juergens. He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Loraine, Arlene and Ruth.
A private gathering of friends and family will be held in remembrance of Arthur. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to VNA Hospice of NWI and Gabriel’s Home of Valparaiso, both of which are dedicated to caring for the humanity of patients receiving palliative and end-of-life care.
GUESTBOOK
I sorry to hear of Art's Passing and pray for your family in these moments. He was always a positive encouraging musician to perform German and concert band music. -George Klein
I am sorry to hear about your passing. I trusted you always and I enjoyed working with you were one of the bright lights in layout. -Reiner Studenroth
Saddened to learn of the passing of cousin Sonny Kunow. I would like to extend my sincere heartfelt condolences to all his family and may the good Lord comfort you in your loss during this difficult time. Fond memories of Sonny linger. . .as he was truly a unique soul. May he rest in peace. -Kim Ewing
It is with a heavy heart that I express my deepest sympathy to you, Barbara, at the passing of her beloved husband, Arthur. I will miss seeing his friendly smile and hearing his cheerful voice. He lived a very productive, active life. The world is a better place for having had Arthur in it. May he rest in peace. -Christine Rehak
My deepest condolences to Arthur’s wife, Barb. Prayers to the family of Arthur . I can’t put into words how much I appreciate Arthur in my neighborhood. He always had a kind word and a joke. Each time we spoke. He will be deeply missed. -Earlene Meneskie
Arthur Kunow was one of my husband's John Parnell best friends and the husband of my American friend and collegue Barbara Kienbaum. More than 30 years ago, soon after the breakdown of the Berlin Wall, I met them in Crown Point, Indiana, and later, in the early 2000s, in Valparaiso. But more often we had long and interesting talks in Germany - in Hamburg, where Barbara worked as Visiting Professor as well as in Stuttgart and Weimar, where I live. Arthur was a characterful person. Very present. Always interested, subtle, warm-hearted and full of self-irony. He will be missed. May he be well in this other world that we do not know but that we will all reach. -Christina Dr. Parnell
From Massachusetts, we've had such great hopes of being able to visit our dear friends 'Art and Barbara' again soon! Now we are very sad that, given the opportunity, Art would no longer be able to be among us to share his 'wit and wisdom'. What a kind, sensitive, and humble friend he was! "Fanfare for the Common Man" could certainly be dedicated to him! As we listen to music from Beethoven to John Williams, we will hear Art's euphonium..."Play on Arthur!" Our heartfelt condolences to you, Barbara, as well as to family and neighbors whose lives Art so often touched. May you find the strength to fill the void that remains with warm and meaningful memories of your remarkable lives together! You are - and will remain - in our thoughts and in our hearts! - With love, -Cindy & Hartmut
My deepest sympathy to you, dear Barbara. The news of Art's passing saddens me much, but the memory of the good times we were allowed to spend together is also consoling. These memories stay with us and when we talk about him, he is alive and right there with us. Who could forget his humorous remarks, his kindness to all who needed a shoulder to cry on, who could ever forget this very special friend. I like to think that he and Harry are somewhere together, cracking jokes and sharing a good glass. When the pain and the difficulties of the last months slowly fade, dear Barbara, let's get together and talk about the great guy who was, and still is, your husband. -Annerose Schumacher
Dear Barb. It is with a heavy heart that Carol and I share your grief. We will always remember Art playing his euphonium for us at the beach. We realize what a trip driving to Frisco was for you and Art instead of flying. I will miss his jokes and his humor. We hope to see you this fall at Frisco. All our love, -Bob & Carol Rager.
