Longtime staple of the Oklahoma wrestling community, Jerry Kuntz, died at home after a battle with pancreatic cancer on May 19, 2025.
Jerry wrestled in Okarche as a youth and started his career in coaching after attending and wrestling for Central State College(Now UCO).
After coaching, he became an official, officiating 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 as a Meritorious Official. He also served on the USWOA Board from 2002-2025 where he was chairman of the Ethics Committee.
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, Jerry’s family is asking to please make a contribution in Jerry’s memory to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, 405 West Hall of Fame Ave., Stillwater, OK 74075. The link is below
National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum
You can read his Hall of Fame bio and watch his induction videos at the links below.
https://nwhof.org/national-wrestling-hall-of-fame/bio/2068
