Tom Kunst was known to all as a friend, but to a treasured few; beloved husband, father and Papa. Tom died tragically while doing something he loved, training on his bicycle. Over the years, Tom became an avid competitor. Competition soon became a family affair, often including his wife and sons. Tom loved being with his family, pushing himself physically and being out in God’s creation.
Lately we find ourselves in spaces that feel upended and abnormal. Nothing feels routine or familiar. We have adapted, adjusted and let go of things that seem an impossibility. But where does that leave grief? Where does that leave this family who tragically loses its patriarch?
Today we found ourselves outdoors, adapting and yet still able to grieve and celebrate Tom together. For a man who trained and competed in countless races, marathons and triathlons, the environment felt perfectly suited. The sky was brilliant blue, the breeze was gentle and there were even a few bikers that quietly passed by.
Racing was a big part of Tom’s life and a common theme as we reflected together. In a race, we most often focus on the prize...the end, the finish line. Some may lament that Tom’s race was cut short of the prize. Today as we listened to Tom’s children speak and the words of his Pastor, it became clear that the prize wasn’t found at the end of the race at all. The prize was really the journey. The journey, or the distance between the beginning and the end is where Tom got to know Jesus. Jesus drew Tom to himself all throughout his life’s journey. Tom’s children spoke lovingly of his immense patience and his kind and gentle spirit. They agreed that he was quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. Tom’s love for his family and friends...abounding. These characteristics came straight from the journey he was on with his Savior. Learning from God day by day, mile by mile. Taking the things he learned and loving his family well. Modeling the attributes of his Savior to anyone he came in contact with.
Tom’s family requested that in celebration of Tom, friends and family wear their race jerseys to the outdoor visitation. As you looked around, there were colorful reminders everywhere of races gone by. Fellow competitors found themselves laughing and re-living the memories of those times together. One life long friend in a neon green race shirt sat amongst a group of friends and remembered running the River Bank with Tom. He said that they ran together the whole time, laughing all the way. It definitely wasn’t a personal best for either...but “one of the most treasured”. Friends around the circle nodded and smiled as he reminisced.
The last few months of Tom’s life were affected, like us all, by a global pandemic. Tom often found himself distressed as he listened to the news and felt the grief of distance and division.
In those times he would often turn to a beloved medium, music. Tom would play the song “Is He Worthy” over and over again. The powerful words gave him peace that his Savior is in control. He is coming again. He loves us. As we all move along our journeys and race towards the finish, may we remember some of these words Tom clung to:
“Do you feel the world is broken?” We do.
“Is a new creation coming?” It is.
“Does the Father truly love us?” He does.
“Is the lamb who died to ransom the slave...is he worthy? Is he worthy of all blessing and honor and glory?”
Tom knew the answer as he finished a race well run.
“He is”.
To read more about Tom Kunst:
https://heritagelifestory.com/obituaries/thomas-kunst.132447