Lex Kunau

BURLEY – A light skiff of snow on the ground only seemed appropriate on the evening of Jan. 31, when Lex Howard Kunau passed away at his home in Burley, surrounded by many of his family.

A truly gentle man, Lex was born in Evereton, Ark., Nov. 11, 1921, the son of Siegfried Howard and Dorothy Anderson Kunau. A graduate of Burley High School, Lex furthered his education at the Woodbury School of Business, having obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration. On Nov. 30, 1947, the marriage of Lex Kunau to Celia Moorman was performed in Burley, Idaho. They celebrated their 68th anniversary this past November.

Lex was a faithful member of the Burley United Methodist Church, where his devotion was long-lived. He and Celia attended for years and Lex served on several boards. Additionally, Lex was involved extensively in the Burley community and in the banking industry. He served on the board of directors for First Federal Savings and Loan and D.L. Evans Bank; he also served as president of the Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club; and was a member of the C.S.I. foundation board and the Cassia County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse. Another of his significant contributions was aiding in the procurement and development of boat marinas on local waterways, which resulted in the naming of the Lex Kunau Park on the Snake River in his honor. He and Celia were also honored by the Idaho Community Foundation with the Friend of the Foundation Award.

Skiing was very high on Lex’s list of favorites. His affiliation with the ski-schools at both Pomerelle and Sun Valley ski resorts went on for decades. Additionally, he served as the secretary/treasurer for the PSIA for many years, and he created numerous newsletters using his Underwood typewriter and Xerox machine. He and Celia enjoyed the cabin in Sun Valley year-round. He planted so many trees at the cabin and at the home on 16th Street in Burley that neither structure could hardly be seen.

Lex and Celia enjoyed many trips together, including, trips to China, Scotland, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, and most especially, the Oregon coast.

Lex enjoyed the coffee club with the boys Monday through Friday, where he had personalized mugs made for all who attended. He certainly was a good listener; sweet, kind, generous and bright; a good collaborator and friend.

Lex is survived by his wife, Celia; his daughters, Nancy Kunau Frederickson of Coeur d’Alene, Sue Kunau Fitzpatrick of Spokane, Wash., and Laurie (Fred) Bell of Burley; brother, Glen (Dona) Kunau of Burley; six grandchildren, Sara Fitzpatrick Sadler, Erick Fitzpatrick, Jennifer (Bell) Beck, Mason Frederickson, Alexis (Bell) Studer, Logan Frederickson; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Anne Kunau.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 5, at the United Methodist Church, 450 E. 27th St., in Burley, with the Reverend Scott Allen officiating. Military honors at the church will be provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Organization. Burial will be in the Pleasant View Cemetery.

Friends may call from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Friday at the church.

Memorial contributions in Lex’s name are encouraged to be directed to the Burley United Methodist Church, PSIA NI Division (P.O. Box 2587 Ketchum, Idaho 83340), the Burley Public Library, or the Idaho Community Foundation.