John Kungis

John Kungis of Chicago, IL March 6, 1936- October 2, 2022 John Kungis was called home on October 2, 2022. He was born in Chicago Illinois on the near south side in the Canaryville neighborhood. He is survived by his two children Michael and Michelle as well as his sisters Dorothy and Bernadine and his brother Irwin. Johnny Kungis. If you know him, you are smiling very big. More than likely, you have a story or many stories that are hysterical, heart warming or interesting at the very least. People that know him always have a story like "he taught me how to swim, waterski or took me horseback riding for the first time" or "he saved my life." He was a Private First Class in the army and served in Korea in 1957. He was the Olympic swim/dive candidate representing the army. He was a Chicago fire captain and played the saxophone in the firehouse band. He was a Union sheet metal worker and always worked 2-3 jobs at a time but always had time for his family. He talked about fighting fires in Chicago winters with icicles hanging from their helmets and clothing. After retirement, he said "the only ice I want to see is in my cocktail" and he spent quite a bit of time in Florida attending all his grandchildren's games as well as fishing and hunting with his son. He enjoyed his summer home in Sister Lakes Michigan and spent countless weekends and summers there. He was married to the love of his life Joan Kungis for 61 years. They have never been apart for an anniversary and he made it "home" to her for their 62nd this October 8. He was a mans' man and an urban cowboy. He had a superb attitude, was always happy and singing kooky songs. When asked how he was doing, the response was always the same "I never had a bad day in my life." He was incredibly grateful and knew he did his best. He had sayings and a snappy retort for everything. He was extremely open minded and always accepted people for who they were. He had a relaxed attitude and could be seen with a chewed up tiparillo cigar in his mouth and his "crown royal" bag hanging from his wrist. His favorite song was "I shot the sheriff" and people would play it for him when they saw him and his friend the late Jack Norris would always dedicate it to him when he performed. His "Johnnyisms" will stay with us and teach us life lessons: * One mans lemons is another mans lemonade * Always be generous with your friends. A couple hundred dollars isn't worth a man's character. * This is Viking weekend. Let's eat til we get thirsty and drink til we get hungry. * No matter how bad you think you have it, someone has it worse, so be grateful. * To thine own self be true. * Accept people for who they are. That's why they make chocolate and vanilla ice cream...that's what makes the world go round. He was our best friend. We will see you in every sunrise and every rainbow. "A coward dies a thousand deaths, a hero dies but once." Services and Interment Private