Curt William Kuenzi

Curt William Kuenzi December 11, 1956 – February 24, 2026 Frederic, Wisconsin

Curt William Kuenzi, a devoted father, gifted engineer, coach, motorcyclist, and self-proclaimed “master plumber," passed away, after a brief battle with cancer, on February 24, 2026, in Siren, Wisconsin. In classic fashion, Curt was late for most things in life, but this time he arrived far too early.

Born in Milwaukee WI on December 11, 1956, to Barbara and William Kuenzi. Curt’s journey took him from a 1975 high school graduation at Wauwatosa East to the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, and finally to Iowa State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1981. In 1980.

Curt married Kim Blanch, and together they raised four children in Inver Grove Heights, MN: Katie, Christopher, Alice, and Daniel. Curt’s commitment to his children was unwavering. He spent years on the sidelines and rinks coaching them in ringette, hockey, football, and baseball.

Throughout his coaching career he was involved in MN Selects Hockey, IGH Hockey Boosters, Simley High School girls hockey and boys football coach, and Academy of Holy Angels girls hockey coach. In retirement, Curt became a fixture of the Burnett County youth sports community, spending countless hours coaching the next generation of baseball, hockey, and football players.

Curt had a way of setting a precedent for people, even when they couldn’t yet see their own ability, and making sure they lived up to it, whether on the ice, on the field, or in life.

An enthusiastic sportsman, Curt was never happier than when he was hunting or fishing across the woods and waters of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Curt also loved to ride motorcycles and always had 1 or 3 in stock (not that they all ran). When he wasn’t outdoors or at the rink, he could be found "tinkering" with cars, trucks, and motorcycles, or tackling DIY projects around the house, though they never seemed to get finished.

While he jokingly claimed the title of "Master Plumber," his family knew his real skill was his ability to fix just about anything (after over-engineering the hell out of the issue) or having the random but needed tool for the job (and surprisingly knowing exactly where it was), and his willingness to show up for the people he loved.

Curt’s intellect and work ethic fueled an extensive 30-plus-year career in process engineering. He was a respected figure in the field, and lent his expertise to major firms including 3M, Advanced Engineering Concepts (AEC), and Richard EPC.

Curt was preceded in death by his father, William A. Kuenzi; his grandparents: Ruth and Louis Kuenzi, Gertrude and Harry Struening; several aunts and uncles, a niece, Andrea and a cousin, Susan.

He is survived by his mother, Barbara R. Kuenzi; children Katie (Chris) Tewalt; Christopher Blanch; Alice (Mike) Schmidt, and Daniel (Sammie) Kuenzi; grandchildren Gavin, Louis, Calvin, Emmett, Reece, Miranda, and “Baby Boy” who will make his debut in June. He is also survived by four sisters, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. And a community of athletes and neighbors who are better for having known him.

Curt leaves behind a legacy of hard work, stubborn determination, and the quiet habit of always showing up for the people who mattered. And wherever he is, he is probably fixing something that wasn’t broken and explaining why it needed to be over-engineered.

Celebration of Life: Family and friends are invited to gather for lunch and Miller Light on tap until gone and share stories of Curt on March 15th from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Sundown Saloon (3508 WI-35, Frederic, WI 54837). Please note that the Sundown Saloon is a cash-only establishment; please plan accordingly as we raise a final toast to a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers or cards, please take care of at least one 5-gallon bucket worth of debris from your house, barn, or yard (if you know, you know), put out a hummingbird feeder or “hatch” a monarch butterfly.

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed online at swedberg-taylor.com.