Marian Mildred (Shinneman) Kunz

Marian Mildred Kunz went to be with our Lord at the age of 88 Thursday April 14th, 2022., at home surrounded by her family.  Waiting to receive her was her beloved husband Melvin, and her sons James and John Paul.  She is survived by her daughter Janna Rae, son Jonathan David, and son Joel Daniel, their spouses and 21 grand and great-grandchildren. 

She was born in Weldon, Illinois, to Lyle and Genevieve and has 2 younger brothers, Dana and Lynn.   She met her husband Mel Kunz while they were in high school during a Youth for Christ event, and they married shortly after in 1954.   Later that year, Marian graduated from nursing school in Chicago and was proud to begin a career in maternal nursing that spanned close to 40 years.   From Illinois, she and Mel moved to Birmingham, AL, where she served as Dean of Women at Southeastern Bible College.  After serving in that role, they moved to South Florida in 1980 and founded Shepherd Care Ministries, a pastoral counseling and crisis pregnancy center.   

Marian was extraordinarily proud to be a Pastor’s wife, and she lovingly ministered to her friends and to the church in many ways including cooking and hosting lunch and dinner parties.  She also loved teaching Bible Studies in her home and leading people to the Lord.  Marian was the perfect helpmeet to Mel, together they conducted premarital counseling classes, showing couples what it means to be loved and how to love in a Christian marriage.

Not only was Marian’s love for Jesus very evident, but her love for food, and her love for cooking was another important part of her life.  She always made an effort to cook certain specialties, like her plum roasted pork, triple chocolate brownies, and her Italian wedding cake.  Marian’s culinary skills were a part of her legacy that has been passed down through the generations and is evident in her children, grandkids, and even in her small great-grandchildren.

Marian will certainly be missed; her loved ones look forward to seeing her in heaven …….

Marian’s celebration of life will be held May 7, 2022, at First Baptist Church of Ocala at 10:00 AM.  Address: 2801 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala, Florida 34471

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to any charity you would like to donate to in Marian’s Name.

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