Carla Kay Kunz passed away in her home in Emmetsburg, IA on August 7, 2026. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday August 11th at Holy Family Catholic Church in Emmetsburg, with burial in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery.
Carla was born the second of five children in Emmetsburg, IA to Richard and Donna Brown on October 11, 1955. She attended school in Emmetsburg where she was raised and grew up with her family. Carla met Steve and their life together began in marriage on September 8, 1973. Over 53 years together, they had three children: Brian, Amy, and Brad, and raised them in Pocahontas, IA. Carla had several jobs throughout her life including managing the Pocahontas Lumber Center and Farm and Home. She was an active member of the Pocahontas Chamber of Commerce and the Pocahontas Catholic Church Women’s Circle. Steve and Carla spent their years attending their children’s many activities and were involved in the community. Job opportunities took them to Des Moines, IA where Carla’s favorite career was being an apartment property manager. Three grandchildren became Carla’s pride and joy. Carla’s last years were spent with her husband Steve in Emmetsburg, IA surrounded by family and friends.
Carla will be remembered for her kindness and fun-loving personality. She was known as having the best heart and could make anyone laugh. Her family loved her cooking, especially her potato salad, and will cherish many memories of family vacations, holidays, and gatherings where a good time was always had. Carla loved her family and friends with all her heart. Her children and grandchildren were her most prized accomplishments. Being with people was Carla’s greatest passion. Though Carla’s health was a rough journey and Steve was her caretaker, she will be remembered for the best times and love she had for everyone.
Carla was preceded in death by her parents Richard and Donna Brown, her brother Jim Brown, and her in-laws Maurice and Margaret Kunz. Left to cherish her memory are her husband Steven Kunz of Emmetsburg, Brian Kunz (Kristi Suhr) of West Des Moines, Amy, Adam, Avery and AJay Metcalf of Dickens, Brad, Kimber, and Kyler Kunz of Sarasota, FL. Siblings and In-Laws: Carol and Mike Fogarty, Steve Brown and Tracy Schutz, Rich and Michelle Brown, Sheri Brown (husband Jim Brown), Janet and Larry Akridge, Sharon and Pat Sadler, Jay and Janice Kunz and many nieces and nephews.
