Charles F. Kunz, 78, of Eau Claire died Tuesday, March 1, 2005, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Eau Claire on January 10, 1927, the son of Louis and Sidonia (Brost) Kunz. \r\nHe worked at Boeing Aircraft in 1943 and then volunteered for the U.S. Navy in 1944. He served at Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Manila, and China until his honorable discharge in 1946.\r\nReturning home from the service, Charles graduated from Eau Claire Senior High School with the class of 1947. \r\nHe married Florence L. Bahr at Immaculate Conception Church on June 14, 1952.\r\nCharles was the owner and operator of Chuck's Union Grocery on Putnam Street from 1955 to 1986 at which time he retired. He served as president of the Retail Food Association for the Chippewa Valley and president of the State Retail Food Association. \r\nHe served on the Eau Claire City Council for 15 years. He was an active member of Immaculate Conception Parish where he served on the parish council as president of its Parent/Teachers Association, was a Cub Scout Master for 15 years, and founded the Cana Dinner Program.\r\nSince retirement he and his wife enjoyed traveling and family. \r\nHe was an avid bowler and won the state bowling tournament in 1966. Hobbies included radio controlled model airplanes, and he was a founding member of Indianhead Radio Control Model Airplane Association, and co-founder and coordinator of the Eau Claire Ecumenical Polka Group for 30 years. He was also a member of VFW Post #305.\r\nSurvivors include his wife, Florence; six children, Father David Kunz of La Crosse, Jean (Richard) Leinenkugel of Menomonee Falls, Tom Kunz of Agoura Hills, CA, Cindy (Kenneth) Bergeson of Florence, MT, Suzanne Bourgeois of Burlington, VT, and Jacqueline Al-Habarneh of Eau Claire; eight grandchildren, Jeffrey, Katie and Lindsay Leinenkugel, Lee Bergeson, Cole and Charles "CJ" Bourgeois, Mahdie and Ali Al-Habarneh; brother Francis (Jan) Kunz of Eau Claire; two sisters, Veronica Weig of Eau Claire and C. Elaine Kunz of San Diego, CA; many nieces and nephews.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents.\r\nHe will be dearly missed by his family and friends.\r\nMass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 5, 2005, at Immaculate Conception Church with Father Eugene A. Klink and Father David C. Kunz officiating. Burial will be in Rest Haven Cemetery in the Town of Washington where VFW Post #305 will conduct military graveside rites. Family and friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and an hour prior to services Saturday at the church. There will be a Public Vigil service at 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.\r\nIn lieu of flowers, Charles' family requests memorials be directed to Northwest Wisconsin Homecare, Inc. at 2620 Stein, Eau Claire, WI 54701, or Immaculate Conception Parrish, 1702 Highland Avenue, Eau Claire 54701.

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