July 8, 1952— May 2, 2022
Gail Louise Kunzer (nee´ Weyandt), loving wife, mother and grandmother, entered eternal life on May 2, 2022, at age 69. She passed peacefully and with dignity surrounded by her loving family at home in St. George, Utah. Upon her tragic diagnosis of ALS two years ago, Gail contributed to neurological medical advancements through participation in the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial — the first of its kind clinical trial testing multiple treatments for ALS simultaneously.
Born July 8, 1952, in St. Paul, Minn., to Patricia and John Weyandt, who preceded her in death, Gail was the fourth of eight children. She was a loyal daughter and sister who had many lifelong friendships lasting more than 50 years. She was admired for her bright blue eyes, radiant blonde hair, sharp wit and humorous stories.
Gail learned the value of a hard day’s work early in life delivering newspapers with her brothers at the age of eight. Her career took a more glamorous turn to fashion and retail at the young age of 16. She was recruited and mentored to be a merchandiser and buyer of women’s fine apparel after being recognized for her innate sense of style. Gail spent much of her early adulthood on buying trips to 1970s New York City where she was exposed to the latest culture, the bustling Garment District, dinners at The Plaza, an opera starring Luciano Pavarotti and nights at the disco.
Many of her tales began with the details of what she was wearing at the time, which is why it was no surprise she selected to enjoy the most fashionable of hobbies. Gail spent her free time as a young ski instructor at the Afton Alps ski area, which led to her developing a love for the big blue skies of the American West.
In 1976, prompted by the scheming of their mothers, she met a young hockey player and beginner skier, Gary Kunzer. Gary wooed her on their first date biking to Dairy Queen and a lifetime connection was formed. They were married in 1979 and raised three daughters on Turtle Lake in Shoreview, Minn. Gary was a faithful father and husband, but he did require some improvement. First, Gail helped him with his wardrobe. Second, he needed to step up his skiing.
Gail planned many memorable adventures for their family — ski vacations to Michigan, summer visits to Lake Superior and road trips to many iconic National Parks. One time, with three children in tow, they even drove from Minnesota through Glacier National Park to British Columbia and back in their beloved conversion van. Truly, Gail was ahead of her time. It was with this zest for life that she approached her everyday tasks — gardening, keeping house, running copious shopping errands, cooking, and entertaining guests.
In 1998, inspired by a love for the mountains and the chance for adventure, Gary and Gail were moved by Gary’s employer to Salt Lake City with their daughters. In Utah, she worked for Snowbird Ski Resort aiming to provide affordable ski passes and high-end ski couture for her husband and “skier-girl” daughters. She always shared her passions with her family exposing them to lifetime sports, music, fine arts, theater, opera and literature. As her family grew, they enjoyed many joyful moments in favorite places like Santa Fe, N.M.; McCall, Idaho; Hawaii and Southern Utah.
She was a lifelong learner and avid reader adamant her girls receive the best educations she could provide. Each daughter graduated college in four years, developed professional careers and loving marriages with children of their own. Her daughters and their families are her legacy.
If you have ever received a letter from Gail, you would have noted the beautiful cursive penmanship, something which remained constant throughout her life and ultimately became her most effective form of communication. Through the elegant font, you could always hear her true spark and spirit no matter her pain and suffering. Her letters often contained words of gratitude … which is the feeling we all share to have known such a fabulous woman.
Gail is survived by her husband, Gary, daughters, and grandchildren: Jessica (husband Chris, son Christopher “CJ”); Elizabeth (husband Andrew, daughter Katherine) and Kristi (husband Ben, daughter Ellie).
A celebration of life will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Draper, Utah on Monday, May 16 at 11 a.m. MDT. The services will also be streamed on the Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church Draper, Utah YouTube page: https://bit.ly/3kFKUzx.
In Gail’s memory, donations may be made to Barrow’s Neurological Institute (https://giveto.supportbarrow.org/donate-r) in Phoenix where Gail received her clinical treatments. Gail would like her family and loved ones to know her love for them will last forever and ever, amen.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221. Please visit our website at www.metcalfmortuary.com for condolences, complete obituary and funeral listings.
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