| Lori Ann Kunze |

Lori Ann Kunze, 62, a resident of Bickford Assisted Living of Grand Island and very special daughter, sister, aunt, and friend went to her heavenly home on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

Celebration of Life services were held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Greenway-Dietz Funeral Home in Palmer and were officiated by Val Killinger. A lunch followed at the American Legion Club in Palmer.

Inurnment was held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Palmer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the local Special Olympics organization, MNIS, or ARC.

Lori was the tenth child born to Albert and Twila (Weber) Kunze in St. Paul on July 28, 1964. Lori began her education in the St. Paul Public School system and later transferred to Connell School within the Grand Island Public School system, graduating from Grand Island Senior High in 1985.

After graduation, Lori worked at Mid Nebraska Individual Services (MNIS) in Grand Island until she began her employment with Walmart in April of 1990 as a greeter. She thoroughly enjoyed her time as an associate of Walmart for twenty-six years.

Lori lived independently with the assistance of MNIS for several years and spent weekends with her family in St. Paul. After her parents’ passing, Lori began living in 2002 in an adult family home in Grand Island, where she remained for the next twenty-three years.

Lori was very involved in Special Olympics, ARC dances, and MNIS trips. She really enjoyed playing Uno cards with family, playing Bingo at the Grand Generation Center in Grand Island, and listening to country music.

Lori was a member of Special Olympics, ARC of Grand Island, and the Grand Island YMCA. She enjoyed attending church during her younger years at home and with her adult family home.

Those left to cherish her memory are brothers, Ken Kunze, Gary (Karen) Kunze, Marvin (Sandy) Kunze, and Danny (Sue) Kunze; sister, Sharon (Dave) White; sistersin law, Carolyn Kunze, Beverly Kunze, and Gloria Paugh; numerous nieces and nephews; and her caregiver, Kathy Molt and family.

Lori was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; brothers, Jim Kunze, Dale Kunze, and infant Donald Wayne Kunze; sister, Diane Klinginsmith; sister-inlaw, Darlene Kunze; nephew, Roger Kunze; and niece, Alisa Campbell.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.jacobsengreenway. com

The Phonograph-Herald | August 26, 2026