Peter Francis Kuenzinger, 79

Oct. 27, 1935 - Oct. 23, 2015

Peter Francis Kuenzinger, Our Husband, Father, Pops, gently passed away at his home in Rathdrum, Idaho, on Oct. 23, 2015, after a long, courageous battle with illness. He was surrounded by four generations of the legacy he leaves behind.

Peter Francis Kuenzinger is survived by Juanita Louise Kuenzinger, his wife of 58 years; and his four children: Robert Kuenzinger, Duane Kuenzinger, James Kuenzinger, and his daughter, Teresa Horton. He was blessed with the vivacious lives of his eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Peter Francis Kuenzinger was born in Chicago, Ill., and graduated from Englewood High School in Englewood, Colo. He joined the Navy in 1957 and served for 10 years, with an honorable discharge, while serving aboard the aircraft carrier the USS Hancock. He served in the Korean War and was then honored with a Bronze star.

Among many accomplishments, Peter became an aerospace engineer, completing his career with Martin Marietta Aerospace and was involved in the placing of satellites in space as well as the Apollo Space Program, sending men on the moon.

A relentless fan of the Chicago Cubs, he will be remembered wearing the Cubs hat and sharing the stories of growing up at Wrigley field. You may have seen him — he was the kid selling hot dogs as well as watching the game from the tree outside the stadium.

He was a bold role model for his family. He will be sorely missed… Thanks, Dad!

Peter Francis Kuenzinger will be honorably buried at sea, with full Military Honors.

The family will hold a celebration of life at Pete’s home in Rathdrum on Father’s Day in 2016.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835, for whom our family is forever grateful. (http://www.hospiceofnorthidaho.org/)

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Condolences may be left on Yates Funeral Home online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.