Obituary of Donald R. Kunsman

Donald R. Kunsman, 85, of State College, PA and formerly of both Bethlehem and Easton, PA, died Sunday, February 4, 2018 at home. Born July 26, 1932 in Easton, he was the son of the late Maynard and Pluma Berger Kunsman. He married Joan A. O'Brien on June 16, 1956 in Easton, PA. In addition to his wife Joan of over 60 years, Don is survived by his daughter, Kelly Renfrew and her husband Andy, of Boalsburg; five grandchildren, Casie Ganter and her husband Jason, of Pickerington, OH, Whitney Brezina and her husband Philip, of San Francisco, CA, Ashley Renfrew of Portland, OR, Benjamin Renfrew who is currently studying at Penn State University, and Cameron Renfrew who currently attends State College High School; four great-grandchildren, Landan, Charlie, Avery, and Willow; one sister, Doris Kunsman of Bethlehem; and his wife's cousin, Monica Anderson of Bethlehem, PA, whom he had a very special relationship. Don was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Maynard (Bud) Kunsman, Jr. Don graduated from Easton Area High School in 1950 and received his associate's degree from Penn State University in Engineering. Prior to Entering college he served in the U.S. Air Force as a flight engineer, and some of his most treasured stories were from the time he spent crossing the country in the cockpit. Throughout his life, Don worked for a few different companies, most prominently for Victaulic of America as a Research and Development Senior Project Engineer before his retirement in 1992. His years at Victaulic saw him secure numerous patents in the field of hydraulic couplings with which his name is associated. Don was an avid golfer where his proudest achievement was carding a 76 at the age of 76. Throughout his life he also enjoyed playing cards with friends, online poker, and in his retirement tinkering in the digital world through email, photography, eBay, and real estate multi-lists for his ever curious wife Joan. Don loved to fill his days with reading history, viewing documentaries, keeping sharp with Sudoko, and it brought him the greatest joy chasing his grandchildren and great children through the digital corridors of family share, emails, and FaceTime when they weren't in town for a visit. A celebration of life will be held at a later date, anticipated to be in both State College, PA and the Lehigh Valley, PA to accommodate family and friends. Memorial contributions may be directed to National Alliance on Mental Illness 3803 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA. 22203 or to the next generation of golfers at The First Tee, 425 South Legacy Trail, St. Augustine, FL 32092 in writing, or online to The First Tee at: https://thefirsttee.org/donate both in memory of Donald R. Kunsman. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College, PA. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.