Everyone at Cowsmo would like to send their deepest condolence’s to the family and friends of David.
David Charles Kunde 74, was born July 25, 1947, oldest of 10 children to Harry Charles Kunde and Anna Mary (Miller) Kunde in Clinton, Iowa. He passed on Friday, January 7, 2022, at Covenant Mercy One in Waterloo, Iowa.
David attended many rural schools in Clinton and Jackson counties before attending the Maquoketa School District, graduating in 1966. Following graduation, he began farming near Zwingle. From November 1966 to September 1972, he served in the Army Reserves. In January 1974, a move was made to the farm south of Manchester, where a herd of Jerseys and the dairy industry became his lifetime business and passion.
David served on many boards, including the Delaware County Dairy Council, Iowa State Dairy Association, Iowa Dairy Products Board, Midwest Dairy Association and Swiss Valley Cooperative Board of Directors.He was 4-H leader of the Milo Livestock 4-H club for 55 years. All of his kids were part of the club and now his grandson Karl is a member. He also coached the Delaware County dairy judging teams during that time. The Delaware County 4-H Food Stand started 43 years ago, with his idea of a way to raise money to give 4-Hers out-of-county opportunities. David was honored as Iowa Master Farmer, Meritorious Service to 4-H, Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame, AJCA Young Jersey Dairyman and Ralph Keeling Leadership Award. He was proud to have hosted two National Jersey Convention tours at their farm. One in 1989, when he and Donna served with another couple as co-chairs, and again this past summer.
During his life, David was most proud of his kids and grandkids and could be found giving tractor rides, taking them fishing, stopping for ice cream, playing cards and checkers. He was sure to always include them in his every day activities, like picking up rocks, or taking Gator rides to check crops and cattle. He used those moments to interact with them and to pass down his love of farming.
On December 30, 1972, David married Donna Maria Durey at the United Methodist Church in Manchester. Four children were born to this union: Jennifer (Dave) Zumbach of Coggon, Carrie (Jason) Steele of Lockridge, Michael Kunde of Manchester, and Daniel (Jill) Kunde of Manchester. Ten wonderful grandchildren are also part of the family, Karl, Will, Anna and Neal Zumbach; Briana, Natalie and Seth Steele; and Wesley Helle, Eloise and Evelyn Kunde.
He is also survived by three brothers, Gary (Mary Ann) Kunde of Bellevue, Steven (Joan) Kunde of Dubuque, and Randy (Samantha) Kunde of Chehalis, Washington; four sisters, Mary Ann (Russ) Wenger of Rogersville, Missouri, Kathy (Roy) Snook of Tipton, A.J. Kunde of Tinley Park, Illinois, and Amy (Dale) Bargloff of Denver; two sisters-in-law, Jo Kunde of Zwingle and Lois Lampe of Cascade; two brothers-in-law, Forrest Durey Jr. of Manchester and Stan Durey of Anacortes, Washington; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law, Forrest and Martha Durey; two brothers, Tim in infancy, and Roger; and nephew, Forrest Durey.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to begin a scholarship in his honor through the Delaware County 4-H Foundation.
Because of COVID-19 concerns, masks are recommended at the funeral home and church.