Memorial service for Jerry Kuntz set for Oklahoma City, Okla., June 3

A memorial service for long-time USA Wrestling referee and leader Jerry Kuntz of Oklahoma has been set for Tuesday, June 3rd, at Crossings Community Church, 14600 N. Portland Ave, Oklahoma City at 10:00 a.m. CT.

In lieu of flowers please make a contribution in Jerry's memory to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, 405 West Hall of Fame Ave., Stillwater, OK 74075.

Official obituary for Jerry Don Kuntz

Jerry Kuntz was known as a wrestling official but there were so many other facets of his life. Most of all his legacy is love. This is reflected in the many texts, phone calls, and visits he received during the last weeks of his life. Jerry Kuntz of Yukon, OK, died at home after a battle with pancreatic cancer on May 19, 2025.

Jerry was born in Okarche, OK, on June 25, 1955 to parents Bernice (Schroder) Kuntz and Kenneth Earl Kuntz. He attended Okarche schools first through 12th grades. Jerry became a wrestler in 7th grade when the wrestling coach recruited him off the basketball team. At his high school graduation he received a certificate for never missing one day of school in 12 years.

Jerry graduated in 1973 and then attended radio broadcasting school where he received a first class license. He then attended Central State University where he was a member of the wrestling team until his graduation in 1977.

Jerry began his teaching and coaching career at Chickasha Junior High then he continued his career at Clinton High School, Hefner Junior High, Putnam City High School, and Casady School. At many of the schools he also coached football and track. Throughout his coaching career he coached 16 individual wrestling state champions. Jerry coached Team Oklahoma to freestyle National Championships in 1988, 1989, and 1990.

Jerry met the love of his life Nancy Turinsky in 1989 when she was teaching at Putnam City High School and he went there to teach history and coach. He quickly turned an English teacher/librarian into a wrestling fan.

After his coaching career Jerry became involved in officiating. He officiated football for 36 years, Folkstyle wrestling for 25 years, and Freestyle and Greco Roman wrestling for 34 years. He was an NCAA official from 1991-2014 and a FILA official from 1997-2014.

Jerry officiated over 100 national tournaments. His career as a FILA official took him to countries all over the world. He also officiated 25 Oklahoma State Wrestling Championships.

Jerry received many awards for coaching and officiating, but the most cherished award he received was induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2014 for Meritorious Official. He also served on the USWOA Board from 2002-2025 where he was chairman of the Ethics Committee.

Jerry loved gardening, animals, watching or playing any sport, playing golf, and mentoring wrestlers, coaches, and officials. He loved talking on the phone to his many friends for hours on end. Yes, Jerry loved to talk and had a story for every occasion.

Jerry's love and respect for people will be carried into the future by all those he influenced and mentored.

Jerry is survived by his wife Nancy, sister Beverly (Kurt) Swisher of Oklahoma City, sister Becky (Randy) Boeckman of Kingfisher, OK, sister-in-law Joan (Tim) Endicott of Perry, OK, and sister-in-law Patty Karr of Liberty Mounds, OK. He is preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, June 3rd, at Crossings Community Church, 14600 N. Portland Ave, Oklahoma City. In lieu of flowers please make a contribution in Jerry's memory to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, 405 West Hall of Fame Ave., Stillwater, OK 74075.

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National Wrestling Hall of Fame obituary for Jerry Kuntz