In 1981 I was planning a trip to Europe and contacted some well-known
collectors to inquire whether a visit would be welcomed.  This was
long before email so the planning took several weeks.  Fortunately,
Fredy Künzle wrote back and I made sure to take advantage of the
invite.  Little did I know what a knowledgeable, enthusiastic and
genuine character I had the good fortune to meet.

Over the decades Fredy and I would make it a point to spend time
together at various mechanical music gatherings in Europe and the
USA.  Though it was rarely more than once a year, each time it was
as if it was only a couple weeks since we were last together, such
was the magnetism and warmth of Fredy.

Among his most outstanding characteristics was his gift of humor,
which was always sprinkled in with his rare knowledge of mechanical
organs.  Of course this was part of his charm, as the warmth he shared
was always part of who he was.  Never did I hear a disparaging word
from Fredy and I just knew that because I was older, that I surely
would have much more time to spend with him.  The grief that I feel is
beyond words.  The world of mechanical world will never be the same.

Two weeks before Fredy was taken from us, I wrote with yet another
vexing question about an organ, and he responded immediately, with just
the information I needed, such was his style.  Fredy was ever available
to anyone who had a question.

Forever more, when playing a mechanical organ, let us remember, if
only briefly, though Fredy was small in stature, he surely was one of
the giants of this hobby whose friendship, humor and impact will be
remembered forever.

During that first visit in 1981 I met Fredy's wife and daughters and
I recall the warmth of their hospitality.  On behalf of the COAA,
please accept our deepest condolences and heartfelt appreciation for
sharing Fredy with all of us.

The funeral service will be on Saturday, 11 June 2016, at 10.00 a.m. in
the Catholic Church in Lichtensteig.  The urn will be buried at a later
date in a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers donations are requested to the Children's Aid
Foundation, Shooting Star, Zurich, PC 80-20400-1, or IBAN CH47 0900 0000
8002 0400.  Cards of grief may be sent to Nadja Haab Künzle, Postgasse 5,
9620 Lichtensteig, or to Eliane Lepri-Künzle, Pozzistrasse 5, 9642
Ebnat-Kappel.

Auf Wiedersehen lieber Freund, Good bye dear friend.

Angelo Rulli - President, Carousel Organ Assoc. of America

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