February 2026
Jeff and Mary Kunz have always shared a love of adventure. In countries around the globe, they’ve seen the beauty of God’s creations—and the challenges faced by those living with fewer resources. Those experiences have strengthened both their gratitude and their desire to give back.
“It isn’t that we have so much,” Mary says, “but we’ve been blessed with more than we need. Our kids are well educated and employed, and we want to use what we have to bless others.”
That desire fuels their ongoing support for the Church’s Humanitarian Aid Fund, which provides relief and self-reliance opportunities worldwide. “We’ve seen people who could use a little extra help,” Jeff says. “Supporting Humanitarian Aid feels like one small way to lift where we can.”
That spirit of generosity has guided the Kunzes for decades. They met in what they call “the most typical way”—at a home evening group while attending Brigham Young University. Jeff jokes that one of his greatest sales jobs came before his professional success at IBM: It was convincing Mary to marry him.
Nearly 50 years later, that decision has led to a life rich in family, faith, and service. The Kunzes raised three sons while living in Alaska and Michigan before eventually settling near St. George, Utah. Today their family includes three daughters-in-law and 10 grandchildren. They’ve enjoyed serving in leadership callings and as missionaries together in the California Los Angeles Mission.
As they considered how to extend their influence beyond their lifetime, the Kunzes decided to include an endowed fund in their estate plan, in partnership with the Philanthropies Department of the Church. Jeff explains, “After we’re gone, our resources will go toward helping others gain an education and become strong leaders in their communities and throughout the Church.”
For Jeff and Mary, giving is not about recognition; it’s about gratitude. “Even a small gift when given from the heart can change someone’s life for the better,” Jeff says. “If what we’ve been blessed with can lift someone else, that’s all we could hope for.”
To learn more about estate planning, family philanthropy, or donating to the Church and its affiliated institutions, contact the Gift Planning Services team at 877-650-5377 or giftplanning@ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
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