Norbert P. Kunz

Norbert P. Kunz, 84, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025. He was born on June 4, 1941, in Germany to the late Arthur and Christine Kunz. Raised near the Danish border, in Flensburg, Germany, Norbert grew up with a deep appreciation for both cultures. As a youth, he spent cherished time in Denmark on his family’s farm, where his mother was from—memories that shaped his lifelong love of travel, nature, and family.

On July 7, 1964, Norbert embarked on a life‑changing journey to the United States, arriving by boat through New York City. His sister, Hildegard, sponsored him, opening the door to the opportunities and relationships that would define his American life. Shortly after his arrival, Norbert met Aud at Café Berlin. Aud had recently come from Norway and was working as an au pair. Their connection was immediate and long-lasting; they were married on December 23, 1966.

Norbert and Aud began their family in Chicago and later settled in Barrington, where they built a warm and welcoming home. In the 1970s, Norbert worked at Navy Pier when it was still an active shipping port. There, he found like‑minded peers and entrepreneurial inspiration, which led to the founding of Quast and Co. In 1983, Norbert and his business partner, Warren Wind, founded Glashaus, Inc., specializing in importing and distributing glass products across North America. More than just a business, Glashaus became a true family endeavor. Norbert took immense pride in seeing the company continue on, now run by his children and grandchildren—a living reflection of his values and vision.

Norbert’s heart also belonged to Sanibel Island, a place he and his family cherished for more than 50 years. Sanibel was where he relaxed, recharged, and formed lasting friendships. He especially loved wintering there, embracing the island’s natural beauty, sense of community, and opportunities for an active outdoor life.

An athlete at heart, Norbert loved movement and competition throughout his life. His passion for racket sports began with badminton as a teenager and continued after immigrating to the United States, where he learned tennis at River Trails. At the Meadow Club, he enthusiastically played tennis, squash, racquetball, and platform tennis. In the last decade of his life, he took up pickleball with the same energy and enthusiasm he brought to everything he did.

A dedicated golfer, Norbert was especially proud of often shooting his age. He also enjoyed cycling and kayaking, always happiest when active and outdoors.

Above all else, Norbert was a family man. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, a loyal friend, and a man who embraced life fully. His great smile—so often shared with family, friends, and even strangers—reflected the kindness and joy he carried with him wherever he went. His story—spanning countries, cultures, family, and friendships—will continue to be told through the many lives he touched and the family he loved so deeply.

Norbert will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Aud; children, Kristin Kunz and Bjorn (Gianna) Kunz; grandchildren, Franklin and Emmett Mull, Alexx Kunz, Sydney (Robert) Schultz, Andie (Shane) Kunz-Meehan; great-grandchildren, Paul, Berlin, Audrey, Reece and Finn; his sisters, Hildegard and Ingeborg. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Riley Kunz; his brother, Jochen and his brother-in-law, Frank.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 3 PM until the time of eulogies at 6:30 PM at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 149 W. Main St. (Lake Cook Rd.), Barrington, IL 60010. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org, Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org, JourneyCare, www.journeycare.com/donate