William “Bill” Angelo Kunz was born January 7, 1960 to William R. and Johanna (Bolasina) Kunz. He attended St. Raphael’s grade school and DuBourg High School where he excelled in football and squeezed by academically. He earned a spot playing football at UNLV and graduated with a BS in Hotel and Restaurant Management after 7 years and some assistance by his wife Linda. In 1983, they welcomed their daughter Amy in Las Vegas and in 1989 they welcomed their daughter Stephanie in Indianapolis. They settled back home in St. Louis where Bill managed Powerhouse, Houlihans, Hooters, Growler’s Pub, and Frank and Patty’s.
He finally opened his own restaurant Highway 61 Roadhouse in Webster Groves with partner Dave Freese. After over a decade of successful operation and national recognition from Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, Bill and Linda sold the restaurant. In his new found free time, Bill found a passion for cycling which fostered many new friendships. He looked forward to Wednesday night “MENSA” meetings around town with old and new friends. He spent his time seeking new experiences in restaurants, live music, and various cities. Bill sought human connection in all venues often by way of bad jokes. He made time for his wife, daughters, sister, and family often out at a meal or over a poorly loss board game.
In spite of a brash sometimes unaproachable exterior, Bill was a loving man who cherished relationships and connections with all sorts of people.
He passed suddenly and unexpectedly Wednesday July 17th, 2024 and will be immensely missed in so many facets of life by so many people, but most deeply by his family.
We encourage you to share a meal with your family and friends at a local establishment in his memory.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to trailnet in hopes of inspiring other cyclists like him.
Services: Monday July 22 11AM at Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Rd. Visitation Sunday 4:00-8:00 PM.
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37 thoughts on “Kunz, William Angelo “Bill””
Bill has left an indelible mark in my life as well as my wife’s and numerous others. Sharon agreed to my proposal of marriage at his restaurant and Bill agreed to host our wedding reception there as well.
His dedication to provide a venue for musicians to express themselves musically has resulted in many friendships and became a launching pad for several talented musical artists and bands along the way. His efforts will always be appreciated.
He will be sorely missed.Reply
My sincere condolences to all of the family. Bill was a great person to work with and always a supporter of Live Music!!! We will miss you!
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He wasa great boss and better friend . He will be sadly missed. Such a great guy
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Linda, Amy , Stephanie and family. I am heartbroken with this news. I hope you know how much Bill meant to me. I loved the big teddy bear.
My heart goes out to you all.
Love,
John GriesedieckReply
Bill was in my class at DuBourg high school, sorry for your loss
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Bill was so instrumental in getting our Class of 78 DuBourg classmates together. His work rekindled old friendships and created new ones. We’ll miss Big Bill – but we’ll always cherish the fact that we were lucky to have known him.
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Bill was definitely one of a kind! I enjoyed all of our conversations and jokes he made about me using box mixes when it came to baking!
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Bill was a good friend to many he always saved a table for me and my family on Mardi Gras at Roadhouse! Always had a blast a the restaurant- So sorry to hear of his passing!! My condolences to his family and many friends!
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I first met Bill when he was at Whitey Herzogs selling advertising.
Bill bought ads from me every spot he opened.
We became friends.
If you were his friend, he always gave you the benefit of doubt.
Billl was appropriately stern.
Bill was fair and funny..
Bill sincerely cared about people.
He was exceptionally proud of his daughters.
He was the best husband, father, friend, son and brother that he could be.
I will miss you Bill.
Sincere condolences to everyone 😔
Bill lived quite a life.Reply
Bill was a great guy to be around whether it was work or fun times ; I always looked forward to anything that involved Bill Kunz . Warmest regards to the Kunz family.
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We still get a kick out of joining you and Tom (Iron Barley) in New Iberia, Louisiana when you decided to show the natives how to cook gumbo! We thank you for the many restaurants you referred us to around the country although my belt line regrets it. We’re sorry when you called us three weeks ago that we didn’t get together with you and Linda to have dinner…rest in peace and we’ll see you on the other side .
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God speed my God Child. As you said “ I was not a very good Godfather”. But we had good meals when we were together. Especially you cooking with aunts at Thanksgiving.
Our sincere condolences to you Linda, Amy and Stephanie. May time be a comfort to you all. The Godfather.Reply
Will miss the big boy and his silly personality. Love You Linda
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I’m very sorry to hear this. My sympathies for the loss.
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Bill was a great guy to be around whether it was work or fun times ; I always looked forward to any occasion involving Bill Kunz. He will definitely be missed. Warmest regards to the Kunz family at this time.
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Such sad news. Hard to believe that Bill’s big smile and larger than life personality will now only be a cherished memory. You will be missed. Prayers for your family.
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Bill will be definitely missed. I just want to thank him for all the wonderful memories from Growler’s Pub and Paddy O’s…
Rest Easy Big GuyReply
Hey Bill It’s Dino thanks for all the life experiences and giving me many times to work under you to my Growlers Pubs Family and to the Paddy Os Fam. Thanks as well
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So sad to hear of this great loss. Bill was an undeniable force of nature. From his quick wit to his wide open friendliness, he was truly one of a kind. He will be missed. I would see him on the trail and his parting words were always “Ride fast!
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My sincere condolences to the family. I first met ” Big Bill” through Mike Kelly while we worked at his restaurant Highway 61. Such a larger than life character but couldn’t help but like him with the first handshake. Went back many times as a customer and always loved the food atmosphere and music. He will be missed and God bless his family.
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I am part of the “5 Star Roscoe” band. We played often at the Roadhouse (and still do). I just wanted to say that Bill was a huge part of our history as a band, and we loved him just as he was. We learned that Johnny Cash’s “One Piece at A Time” was one of his favorite songs, so we always had it ready to perform it for him. He will most certainly be missed by us, and we offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends.
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Deepest sympathies to Bills family. Got to know Bill by way of the Road House 61 every Wednesday, ‘Bowling Night’, the past 10 years. Always fun to visit with Bill as he made his rounds to visit guests at the restaurant.
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I Serviced Bills Bars cleaning the Draft Lines .He treated me Great and with Respect. He was a fun guy to hang around with We Will Miss him
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I first met Bill when our Lions Club approached him to cater our charity golf tournament and naturally he agreed. We became friends and eventually became partners in 2 concepts. Frank n’ Patty’s and Highway 61 Roadhouse And Kitchen. He developed the concept and menu that is still going today.
I truly grew to admire his knowledge of the restaurant business from A to Z. He was a natural with both customers and employees. In all of our years together I don’t remember a disagreement much less an argument.
Some little known facts about Bill:
He and Linda met as teens working at Federhofer’s Bakery.
He’s in the Athletic Halls of Fame in both Dubourg H.S. and UNLV for football.
While at UNLV he was living off campus and since he didn’t have a car he asked his roommate what classes he was taking, found out they were in Hotel and Restaurant Management and he said “sounds good.” A Godwink like that launched his lifelong passion for the restaurant business.
After graduation he managed a Gentlemen’s Club in Las Vegas and Linda would work with the girls.
Linda also worked long hours at Highway 61. A real life partner.
I took delight in giving Bill a hard time about his goofy Johnny Rabbit hat that he wore with panache. Secretly, though, I was jealous because I would never had guts enough to wear it. It became his trademark.
He looked for a long time for a classic vehicle and finally found a bright orange Chevy panel truck which matched his personality. Unfortunately he only got to enjoy it for a very short time.
FAREWELL DEAR PARTNER AND PAL!!Reply
Condolences to the family,Bill was challenging to work for but his sense of humor and knowledge about the business made it fun and worth it,I think I can speak for the opening crew at the roadhouse when I say we will miss you “ Billy Cakes!”
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Deepest sympathies for Bill’s family. He always shared a smile when we would see him at 61 Roadhouse. He will be missed. So very sorry for your loss.
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Bill was a friend to me and my and his friends Coach OB’ Brien, Tim Melton, and Blake Swaggart. We thought of him as our St. Louis Friend with us being from Memphis Tn. He treated us as if he had know us for 20 years even though it had only been 6 month. He developed a special bond with Coach OB and us for being red neck Tennessee fans! We do and will miss you UNLV Friend!
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To say, Bill was character would be an understatement. He could be grumpy, hilarious, serious, and sarcastic all in a couple of minutes. He was an extremely hard worker but an even more extreme bike rider. I loved going to Roadhouse where Bill would almost always stop or sit by our table, say a couple of words and then steal a couple of fries from my plate. Bill visited the bike shop right before he passed. His doctors had just given him clearance to ride 20 miles a day and he just finished his first week which of course meant he rode 140 miles. He always pushed himself to the limit and sometimes even further. He will always be an inspiration to me and I consider myself lucky to have known him.
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My thoughts are with Linda, Amy, and Stephanie.
William “Big Bill” left a major impact on my life both personally and professionally, as a young beer salesman he taught me how to be shrewd negotiator and still be friend’s.
I will miss you bad jokes,’your big laugh and childish behavior. I am fortunate our paths crossed and my life is better because of it.
Cheers 🍻 WilliamReply
Bill upon going to college gifted me with his records & a UNLV shirt. Then was off my life radar til recently. I played at 61 with my new band hoping to see him, but told he retired. All I can say here is don’t ever discount how even seemingly small acts can influence or stick with a person. Bill apparently knew what music meant to me as a kid. I’ll take that to my own grave. RIP sir
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Wow, I knew Bill was bigger than life, after reading these comments I know it’s true.
Great to know you Bill.Reply
I enjoyed reading all the tributes to Bill and was impressed with all the places he managed and especially that he was a star football player at UNLV ! Rest In Peace Bill, you are missed, and thank you for Highway 61 Roadhouse, a great place for many musicians
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Michele, deepest sympathies. It’s been so long my memories are of the goofy, playful highschool & college kid he was. As big a Shadow as he cast I never remember him being forceful or intimidating. May rays of good memories shine on your heart.
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Bill was a super talented person with a great vision. He never met a stranger and never backed down from a challenge. Sending love to his family at this time. This world won’t be the same without him.
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My sincere condolences. I got to know Bill through social media and The Roadhouse. He had an enthusiastic attitude towards life (after the weight loss), that stays with me to this day .we spoke through social media about many things, and I will always remember that smile. With all the love that he liked to spread around town, he will be missed.
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God bless Bill and his family!
Not only did he leave a lot of lasting impressions with people he left with a legacy !!!
Just one special person that I’m lucky enough to call a friend!!!
Rest in peace my friend !Reply
Bill was a great guy — a good friend of the music community, and was quite the character. Met him years ago after a Heartsfield concert, and had the honor of opening for their band, at the Roadhouse, and has always been one of our favorite places to play, and a great place period. So sad, that he didn’t get much of the time he desired, when he retired. But he certainly lived life fully, and will be remembered fondly.
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