Kirk Kundtz

Kirk Kundtz, 71, of Chesterland, Ohio, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on December 20, 2024. Born on July 8, 1953, Kirk was named Ewald Edmund Kundtz III at birth and received his nickname of Kirk because he was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Kirk grew up in Shaker Heights and completed high school locally at University School. He then attended Boston College for two years before graduating from Stanford University with a BA in English. After spending a number of years pursuing spiritual endeavors, and even considering a monastic life, Kirk decided to study Medicine. He attended Case Western Reserve medical school, graduating with a degree in internal medicine. Kirk worked as an emergency room physician for more than thirty years, at University Hospitals, Fairview, Lutheran, Richmond, Geauga, and St. Vincent Charity Hospital. He retired in 2021. Kirk was renowned among his former patients and colleagues for the compassionate care he provided throughout the course of his work.

Outside the hospital, Kirk's passion was woodworking. A self-taught master craftsman, Kirk filled their home with many of his original pieces of furniture. Beyond their home, his work was featured in Fine Woodworking magazine, in the Canton Museum of Art, and in the Cleveland Museum of Art's May Show, where it was unofficially considered Best of Show.

Undoubtedly, Kirk's greatest love and accomplishment was his family and the life they created at their home, Elm Hill Farm, in Chesterland, Ohio. He, along with Marybeth, his beloved wife of 36 years, and his sons Connor and Jeremy (Daiana), created a haven for their countless friends to enjoy bonfires, pond swims, picnics, dinner parties, and (everyone's favorite) barn parties. They hosted weddings of friends and family reunions (complete with Sunday Mass). Kirk's favorite enjoyment was spending a lazy summer afternoon, floating in the pond with his friends and family. There was nothing Kirk loved more than being with his boys, Connor and Jeremy.

Kirk's passion for his family and friends, his insatiable curiosity and astounding artistry, his humor, his compassionate care for thousands of ER patients, and his beautiful spirit will live on in everyone fortunate enough to have known and loved him. Kirk truly was a gift to this world.

A celebration of Kirk's life will be held at Elm Hill Farm in the summer. 

In lieu of flowers, gifts in Kirk's memory may be made to the dear Sisters of the Carmelite Monastery by clicking HERE or by mailing a check to Sr. Barbara Losh: Carmel of the Holy Family, 2541 Arlington Rd, Cleveland Heights OH 44118, Cleveland Heights, Ohio; or to the Saint Gregory Palamas Monastery in Etna, California,1307 Sawyers Bar Rd., Box 398, Etna, CA 96027.

Kirk was preceded in death by his mother Patricia (Patno) and his son, Connor. He is survived by his father Ewald E. Kundtz Jr., his wife Marybeth (Rooney), his son Jeremy (Daiana), and his sisters Mary Beth Schneider (Albert), Kathryn Miki (Masaharu) and Jayne Eiben (Christopher).

Arrangements and cremation entrusted to THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS.