Obituary of Lois Phoebe Kunzler

Lois Phoebe Broadway was born on November 1, 1928, to Robert S. and Mary E. (Clark) Broadway. Growing up on a family farm surrounded by loved ones, she enjoyed the closeness of a large extended family. Lois had three siblings—Madeline, Robert, and MaryAnn—and three half-siblings—Brenda, Daniel, and Lynn—after her mother remarried following the passing of her father.

Lois passed away peacefully on August 31, 2024. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Wilhelm F. “Willy” Künzler, as well as her sister, Madeline; brother, Robert; daughter, Donna L. Gaul; and granddaughter, Hope E. Gaul Maraday.

She is survived by her children, Jay F. Künzler, Elizabeth A. (Eric) Neels, and Friedrich W. (Susan) Künzler; grandchildren, Michelle Carmine, Jacob Neels (Diana), Maura Künzler, Benjamin Künzler, Brenna Künzler and Theodore Neels, who all also carry on her legacy, as do her great-grandchildren, John Jenerose, Jacob Maraday and Wilhelm H. Künzler. Lois is also survived by her sisters, MaryAnn Dorsett, Brenda Odell, and Lynn Finch, and her brother, Daniel Barrett.

On July 28, 1964, their son, Friedrich “Rick” Wilhelm Künzler, was born. In 1965, the family moved to Chicago, Illinois, where Willy became Director of Research and Development at Wesley and Jessen. During their time on North Elizabeth Street, they became active members of St. John's Lutheran Church in Lombard.

In 1973, they relocated to Rochester, New York, where Willy took on the role of Director of Research and Development at Bausch and Lomb, contributing to the creation of the Soft Contact Lens. Lois became deeply involved in their church, St. Paul’s Lutheran in Pittsford, NY, where she volunteered for various tasks and served her community with devotion.

Lois was known for her exceptional skills as a seamstress, often creating clothing for herself and her children. She was also Rick's den mother and was active in scouting activities.

Her love of hosting dinner parties was well-known, and she took great pride in cooking for family and friends. Lois had a special passion for baking, becoming famous for her Christmas cookies and elaborate cakes made for special occasions. Even in her late 80s, she made a beautiful cake for her daughter Beth’s birthday in 2017.

Travel was another of Lois’s great joys. She loved exploring new places, especially Colorado, Maine, and California and had a deep affection for Germany, Willy’s birthplace, and Italy. She embraced the cultures and cuisines of the places she visited.  She and Willy spent several winters near Rick and family in Fullerton, California, where they enjoyed numerous trips to the national parks and Mexico.  

The family often vacationed at her childhood home in Bedford, NY, where they spent immeasurable time with her sister MaryAnn and her family. Many of their extended family would join in for celebrations. 

She enjoyed researching family history and often took the kids to cemeteries to research gravesites.  She spent considerable effort cleaning up Chichester Cemetery in Bedford, where numerous ancestors are buried.  In 2017 she became a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, with Pierre Van Cortlandt as her patriot ancestor.  She became a member of the Mary Fellows Chapter in Penfield.

Lois took immense pride in her personal appearance and that of her home. She carefully decorated each space with meaningful items and always presented herself and her family with elegance. Her home was always a reflection of her care and attention to detail.

She had a gift for making friends with everyone, from neighbors to waitstaff at restaurants. All who knew her felt her warmth and kindness.  She also had a love for gardening, music, theatre, movies, and dining out, making each moment full of life and joy. In later years, she and Wilhelm often went to the movies or theatre for lunch or dinner afterward.

She was active in her children's and grandchildren’s lives, and her family, friends, and extended family spent time together for every birthday, holiday, and other special event.

It is often commented on that Willy had a deep love for photography, which he did, but Lois was the one who always had the camera. Mostly chronicling their lives, exploits, and grandkids!

Due to her entrepreneurial spirit, She started Lois B. Künzler Antiques in 1993. She and Wilhelm, with MaryAnn and her husband John, as well as her daughter Donna and husband Allan, would visit shops and sales, searching for one-of-a-kind, special pieces to sell at high-end antique sales. She enjoyed that for at least ten years.

Friends may call 10-11 AM Saturday, September 21 at Willard H Scott Funeral Home 12 South Ave., Webster, where her Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 AM.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Alzheimer’s Association or your charity of choice.