The Kuntz House

A Legacy of Love and Laughter at 506

Welcome back, dear readers! This month, we're excited to share the fascinating history of Tony and Agnes Kuntz and their unforgettable time at 506 S Oakland Street, affectionately known in our community as "The Kuntz House."

Anthony "Tony" Kuntz was born on August 6, 1909, in Minnesota, while Mary "Agnes" Kuntz came into the world on September 23, 1912, in Kalamazoo, MI. Their love story began when they married on October 14, 1939. Tony, a traveling encyclopedia salesman, and Agnes settled in St. Johns, where their journey at 506 S Oakland began.

In 1950, Dr. R.E. Benson put the grand home at 506 S Oakland up for sale via a silent auction. Tony, ever the dreamer, placed a bid without much expectation. To his astonishment, he won. However, this surprise was met with mixed feelings at home. Agnes was less than thrilled about the prospect of managing such a large house, especially with their four young children: Norbert, Vincent, Mary, and Elaine. According to Kuntz family lore, they only had about one piece of furniture for each room of the home when they first moved in, making the large house feel even more daunting.

Tony was a man of vision. Dr. Benson had already started converting the second floor into apartments, and Tony completed this work, creating three apartments. These units weren't just rentals; the tenants became extended family. Young couples, teachers, nurses, and various others found a home at 506, enriching the Kuntz family life.

Tony and Agnes' family grew with the addition of two more children, Maggie and Quentin. Despite Tony's frequent travels, he was a loving yet stern father. Report card day was particularly memorable. Tony would sit in his office, now the library at The Nordic Pineapple, and review his children's progress one by one. It was an intimidating experience for the Kuntz kids.

Growing up in The Kuntz House had its perks. The children had access to a wealth of reference materials, a luxury that made other kids envious. They were even allowed to cut out pictures from the encyclopedias for school projects. The house, despite its grandeur, was simply home to the Kuntz children. Quentin's realization that he lived in a "mansion" came only after a friend used the term, prompting him to look it up.

Tony's dedication extended beyond his family and tenants. As a Grand Knight of the 3rd Degree in the Knights of Columbus, Tony was deeply committed to the St. Johns community. He was a vital driving force behind the fundraiser for The Care Center, now known as Grace Haven, an assisted living facility with a memory care unit. Through his efforts, Tony helped raise approximately $800,000, significantly impacting the lives of many in the community.

Tony passed away in 1980, but Agnes continued to live at 506 until 1992. The house, filled with love, laughter, and countless stories, remains a significant part of St. Johns' history.

What happened to Agnes and her beloved home after 1992? You'll have to tune in next month to find out the next chapter in the story of The Kuntz House.