Herman 'Kay' Kunath

Herman 'Kay' Kunath the son of Sumner and Bertha Miller Kunath was born at home in Spencer September 13th 1923. His childhood years were spent there where he had his first job at 11 as a paperboy. From there he went on to graduate from Spencer High School in 1941. While in High School he was part of a vocal quartet that went on to state to take first place. Following High School he spent some time at Iowa State taking Engineering courses before going into the US Army in 1942. While he was in the Army, he joined company 'C' of the 594th Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment becoming a Technical Sergeant with the Amphibious Engineers being responsible for the operation of a landing craft and crew. He saw duty in various locations in the pacific with his tour ending in Japan. During his tour in the service he earned the Bronze Star and the Philippines liberation ribbon. Upon his discharge and return to Spencer he worked in his father's Jewelry store and married Bonnie Sorensen June 29th, 1947 in Spencer. Following his marriage to Bonnie they farmed and lived near Dickens for 11 years prior to starting his business with Snap-On tools in 1956. In 1957 he and Bonnie built their current home in Spencer on 1st Avenue and have resided there for 56 years. In 1972 he left Snap-on and purchased Bangs Beeline Alignment in where he operated that business until 1996 at the age of 72. Kay was a member of St Albans Episcopal Church in Spirit Lake, VFW, American Legion, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Masonic Lodge and the Iowa Great Lakes Antique Auto Club. He enjoyed travel, restoring and showing automobiles, history and the annual trips to Mesa where he and Bonnie spent the winter months. Kay passed away at the Longhouse Home in Spencer, IA on Saturday August 9th surrounded by his family at the age of 90. He was preceded in death by his parents, an older brother, and one son Gary Patrick Kunath in 1997. He is survived by his wife of 67 years; Bonnie, two sons; Michael of Spencer, IA and Jim of Waukee, IA. He enjoyed seven grandchildren; Sara, Eric, Joshua, Lauren, Michael, Alyssa, and Kelsey, and three great grandchildren; Jaydon, McKenzie, Austin, and one brother; Lane Kunath of Spencer, IA, and many other relatives and friends. Memorials can be made to St Albans Episcopal Church of Spirit Lake or Hospice of Spencer Hospital.

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