Steve Kunas

Steve Lawrence Kunas, aged 56, left this world to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, in Spokane, Wash.

Born in Hollywood, Fla., Steve spent most of his youth moving all around the old South with his family before they came to the Pacific Northwest, where Steve graduated from Mark Morris High School in Longview, Wash. After moving to Portland, Ore. in his early adulthood, he accepted Jesus Christ into his life. Steve, meanwhile, first married and began a family. In 1998, the father of five decided to move his family to northern Idaho with the goal of raising his children in small town America, first living in Hayden Lake before settling in a short distance away in Rathdrum.

Steve grew to love northern Idaho, the people and way of life here. He largely worked in property management. Very athletic in his youth, he played many sports including football. However, he later fell in love with playing — and later coaching — softball, and for many years was an active participant in rec. league action in Coeur d'Alene, and for a time he was a coach on select teams and local high school teams. He was also an active outdoorsman and greatly enjoyed sharing his love for the outdoors with his children. He was a big time family man and made it known to the world how much he loved his children and grandchildren. He adored being a grandpa. Aside from spending time with his family, he loved being outdoors and was an avid hunter. Northern Idaho was his playground.

His imposing 6'4" frame and brute strength was perhaps intimidating to strangers, but friends and family knew Steve was a gentle giant, devoted to his family. He had a gift for making people feel important. He coached his daughter, Shelby, in select and high school softball before they played together in rec. league ball, and he was actively involved in his daughter, Cassie's, horse activities. He also supported his sons Cody and Jackson's endeavors, and enjoyed hunting with all five of his children. He also greatly enjoyed time with his son, Jacob, working on countless projects and home improvements. He was also quick to help others in need and was an active member of the community, often hosting outdoor gatherings for friends and neighbors at his home. All who knew him loved and respected him. To everyone, he was the definition of a good man — one who will be greatly missed.

Steve is preceded in death by his mother, Mary-Ann. He is survived by his father, Larry (Joan) Kunas; brother, Troy (Kate) Kunas; sister, Terri (John) Meyer; son, Cody Kunas; daughter, Shelby (Ryan) Hansen; daughter, Cassedy (Johnny) Owens; son, Jacob Kunas; son, Jackson (Gabby) Kunas; and granddaughters, Sammie Hansen, Dally Hansen and Rylie Hansen.