Jerry Kuntz was known as a wrestling official, but there were so many other facets of his life. Most of all, his legacy is love. This is reflected in the many texts, phone calls, and visits he received during the last weeks of his life. Jerry Kuntz of Yukon, OK, died at home after a battle with pancreatic cancer on May 19, 2025.
Jerry was born in Okarche, OK, on June 25, 1955, to parents Bernice (Schroder) Kuntz and Kenneth Earl Kuntz. He attended Okarche schools first through 12th grades. Jerry became a wrestler in 7th grade when the wrestling coach recruited him off the basketball team. At his high school graduation, he received a certificate for never missing one day of school in 12 years.
Jerry graduated in 1973 and then attended radio broadcasting school, where he received a first-class license. He then attended Central State University, where he was a member of the wrestling team until his graduation in 1977.
Jerry began his teaching and coaching career at Chickasha Junior High, then he continued his career at Clinton High School, Hefner Junior High, Putnam City High School, and Casady School. At many of the schools, he also coached football and track. Throughout his coaching career, he coached 16 individual wrestling state champions. Jerry coached Team Oklahoma to freestyle National Championships in 1988, 1989, and 1990.
Jerry met the love of his life Nancy Turinsky in 1989 when she was teaching at Putnam City High School and he went there to teach history and coach. He quickly turned an English teacher/librarian into a wrestling fan.
After his coaching career, Jerry became involved in officiating. He officiated football for 36 years, 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 for Meritorious Official. He also served on the USWOA Board from 2002-2025 where he was chairman of the Ethics Committee.
Jerry loved gardening, animals, watching or playing any sport, playing golf, and mentoring wrestlers, coaches, and officials. He loved talking on the phone to his many friends for hours on end. Yes, Jerry loved to talk and had a story for every occasion.
Jerry's love and respect for people will be carried into the future by all those he influenced and mentored.
Jerry is survived by his wife Nancy, sister Beverly (Kurt) Swisher of Oklahoma City, sister Becky (Randy) Boeckman of Kingfisher, OK, sister-in-law Joan (Tim) Endicott of Perry, OK, and sister-in-law Patty Karr of Liberty Mounds, OK. He is preceded in death by his parents.
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, please make a contribution in Jerry's memory to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, 405 West Hall of Fame Ave., Stillwater, OK 74075.

Richard William Frey East Lansing, MI formerly of Rochester, NY Passed away on Monday, October 23, 2023 at the age of 75. Born March 13, 1948 to Nelson and Irene (Christmas) Frey in Fairport, New York. Richard honorably served in the US Marine Corps. Following his discharge from the military, he went on to work for General Motors as a plumber and pipefitter. While working for G.M. he also started 4 R's Plumbing which he ran for many years in East Rochester, New York. Richard enjoyed boating, fishing, and camping. In his youthful years, he liked to water ski. Richard was an avid wrestling fan and traveled all over the United States working as an official for USA Wrestling. Richard was a hardworking man and he past that work ethic down to those who knew him best.

He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who remember him.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Debbie Frey; brother-in-law, Gary Borkheus as well as his parents. Surviving are his sons, Roy Frey, Rodney (Mary Reed-Frey) Frey; grandchildren, Chase Frey, Arianna Frey, Tristan Frey; brother, Butch Frey; sisters, Connie Borkheus and Cindy Nelson as well as many nieces and nephews.

Charles Everett "Chuck" Hull passed away peacefully at home on March 7 at the age of 79. He was born on July 9, 1945, in Lander, Wyoming to Lloyd and Betty Hull.
Chuck was a man of adventure, resilience, and unwavering dedication to his family and community. He was an avid outdoorsman from an early age, and found joy in fishing, hunting, and camping – pastimes he cherished throughout his life. While attending Riverton High School and Black Hills State University, he developed a passion for sports, particularly wrestling, which became a lifelong pursuit. That love extended into his 46-year career as an educator and coach, where he mentored countless students, both in the classroom and on the field. He believed in sacrifice, hard work, and perseverance, lessons he instilled not only in his players but in his own children.
Chuck could do just about anything. Before becoming a teacher, he worked construction, carpentry, and as an electrician-skills he used to provide for his family. But of all his accomplishments, he was proudest of the home and life he built with Lois. For 58 years, they were partners in everything, working hard and making sacrifices to raise a family filled with love, faith, and laughter.
Chuck is survived by his loving wife, Lois; his children, Troy (Lisa) Hull, Cindy (John) Koch, Russell (Cristy) Hull, Leanne (Kent) Wardell, Laura (Jerrod) Hall, and Daniel (Brittney) Hull; 21 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren, all of whom will forever carry his love in their hearts.
A funeral service will be held at the Lovell LDS Church on March 17 at 10:00 a.m., with the viewing starting at 9:00 a.m., and the burial to follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Basin at 2:00 p.m. The funeral service will be broadcast live on Haskell's Funeral Home Facebook page.
Chuck's legacy is one of love, faith, and unwavering dedication to others. He will be deeply missed, but the lessons he taught and the love he shared will live on for generations to come.
To plant a tree in memory of Charles Everett Hull, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

John Scott passed away on April 21, 2024. John's boisterous laugh and animated stories filled rooms wherever he was. He was devoted to his family, friends, and AA, creating cherished memories during gatherings and celebrations. His warm-hearted nature made him a beloved figure in the wrestling community, and his absence will be deeply felt.

His celebration of life is TBD.

Longtime wrestling referee Carl Stermer has passed away.  Mr. Stermer was a USWF and AAU wrestling referee during the 1970’s and 80’s.  Mr. Stermer achieved the FILA-1 category and was considered amongst the very best referees in the United States. During the prime of his career, Mr. Sturmer was ranked seventh in the United States among AAU referees and was the first alternate for the 1980 Olympics.  He worked all levels of wrestling and he officiated softball, baseball and football.  He was elected into the Greater Miami Valley Wrestling Association and the Ohio Wrestling Officials Hall of Fame in 1995.  

Charles "Chuck" Lederer of Levittown passed away surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, September 16, 2023. He was 60 years old. 

Chuck was born on October 24, 1962, to Robert and the late Jacqueline (Miller) Lederer. He is survived by his wife Denise (Eastlack) Lederer; his sons Dexter Lederer (Jenna) and Colby Lederer (Brie); his grandchildren Bo Charles, Zoe Rose and Josie Ryan; his sister Barbara Binney (Brian); his brother Pete Lederer (Linda); his brother-in-law Butchie Eastlack (Debbie); his mother-in-law Donna Eastlack; his nieces and nephews Taylor, Abigail, Ainsley, and Calvin; and his grand pups Louie, Nala, and Lacey.

Chuck was lucky to find the love of his life early—he met Denise in 10th grade.  He married his high school sweetheart in 1987, and they were happily married for 35 years.  Chuck graduated from Delhaas High School in 1980 and earned his bachelors in electrical engineering from Villanova University in 2001.

Chuck was a loving father and an even better Pop to his grandkids.  He was their rock. Whether it was coaching his sons or supporting his grandchildren, he never missed any events. There was nothing he enjoyed more than making memories with his family.

Chuck was strong in every aspect of his life. He had an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor. He was generous, loyal, and brave. Chuck was an avid golfer and lover of all Philadelphia sports teams. Wrestling always had a special place in his heart. He was a wrestler himself, and later a coach and a referee. He will always be a staple of Pennsylvania wrestling. 

Throughout his life, Chuck made so many friends that turned into family. To them, Chuck embodied the best qualities a friend could offer: reliability, patience, and the opportunity to brighten their lives.  He was an inspiration to everyone he met.  

Throughout Chuck's battle of cancer, which started in February 2021, he always carried himself with dignity, strength, grace, and courage.  He never once complained about anything and always kept a positive attitude. Even as he underwent treatment, he never missed a single event or holiday. 

We will always strive to be Strong Like Chuck!
Family and friends are invited to Chuck’s Celebration of Life Sunday, September 24, 2023 from 12:00PM to 4:00PM. This time of sharing will take place at Beck Givnish Life Celebration Home, 7400 New Falls Rd, Levittown, PA 19055.

In lieu of flowers, Chuck’s family would like donations to be made to Fox Chase Cancer Center at https://www.foxchase.org/giving

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Allicyn Nichole Schuster was born October 10, 1999, in Papillion, Nebraska. She graduated from Papillion LaVista High School in 2017 and was currently in her second-year apprenticeship for Local 22 Electricians Union. She had a celebrated wrestling career. She wrestled for 11 years. She was an 8 time All-American and Olympic Cadet Wrestling World Team Member. She was a coach at Papillion LaVista High School coaching the Monarchs, and Omaha Skutt High School coaching the Sky Hawks. She was an inspiration for many young female wrestlers throughout the United States. She enjoyed riding her motorcycle with family throughout the Midwest. She enjoyed spending time with her friends eating Sushi, and eating at Stella’s and the Texas Roadhouse. She was proud of her shoe collection, her Scooter’s addiction, tattoos, and Vera Bradley handbags. She was known by her parents for being messy yet clean. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Author, Rusty Davidson

The USA Wrestling community received and shared word on Tuesday, 8/1/2020 of the passing of Mike Matlock, 72, a longtime volunteer in the USA Wrestling family.
Matlock was found early Tuesday morning in his home in New Bern, N.C. Reports indicate he passed peacefully. Details are pending notification of next of kin.
Mike Matlock was known to many in the wrestling world as “Mad Dog.” “The Dog” wore the nickname affectionately. He was apt to greet students and friends with a friendly “Woof.”
Matlock was known globally as a first category referee. Officiating under the banners of USA Wrestling and its predecessors, along with the current United World Wrestling, Matlock was known as a Teacher of his fellow officials. Many referees mentored by “The Dog” went on to represent several countries at the highest levels.
Matlock most recently served as a non-voting Honorary Board member for North Carolina USA Wrestling. The Board of North Carolina USA Wrestling honored him recently by naming North Carolina’s annual Official of the Year Award as the Mike “Mad Dog” Matlock Award.
“Mad Dog” also contributed as a high school and club coach, mentoring youth in Missouri, Nebraska, Michigan, Arizona, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Florida, and North Carolina over the last 50 years. Countless youngsters, across multiple generations, credit Matlock for helping them make greater contributions in life through wrestling.
We all know that ‘Wrestling Makes the World Small.’ The quick flow of information and emotions regarding the passing of one of our great grassroots contributors is solid evidence of his impact within the wrestling family. 
For those that knew ‘The Dog,’ please share a story and a smile with those that matter. We lost a good one. “Woof!”
 

Nikenson (Nik) Bazelais passed away on July 7th, 2020, after a five year battle with Cancer and a mild case of COVID-19 at NYU Langone Hospital. He was only 49 years old and left behind his wife, Libny and daughter Rachél, two sisters Seurette and Nancy, and brother Gabriel. Nik was a dear friend and colleague to many of us. He was a devoted father, a great friend, a loving brother, and a newlywed beloved husband.

Albert Peter Williams Jr. age 63, of Riverdale passed away on April 7, 2020. Albert was a very strong and sturdy individual. He dedicated over 40 years of his life to the sport of youth and high school wrestling. Albert loved the Lord and served him faithfully. Beloved husband of Vickie Williams (nee Spilotro), loving son of Isabel (late Albert) Williams.  Services are private. A Celebration of life service will be announced and held at a later date. Albert will be dearly missed by family and friends. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Al Williams’ memory can be made to USA Wrestling, the national governing body of the sport which Al loved. To make a memorial donation, please visit http://donate.usawrestling.org/

https://memorials.aspenmortuaries.com/donald-sondgeroth/3825508/obituary.php

Mo Babi, from Colorado, passed away after recent struggles with health issues. Mo has been involved with USA Wrestling for many years as a State leader and Mat Official. He served multiple times as the State Director for Colorado and worked for many years as a Mat Official at many Regional and National events. Mo was instrumental in the development of the concepts of Dual competitions. Mo loved the Cadet Duals and started the first Dual event on two mats at a local high school. From that auspicious start it quickly grew to a National level event. The original idea was to get many matches in a short duration competition so younger Cadets could more quickly improve their wrestling skills. At the same time, Mo wanted the Cadet Duals to serve as a training ground for lesser experienced Mat Officials. The original participating States liked the concept and started sending their best Cadets but also demanded the best possible Mat Officials. The Cadet Duals became a National level event; Junior Duals and Schoolboy Duals soon followed suit. Mo’s wife, Pat, is an accomplished pairer and one of their sons, Jason, is an international level Mat Official. Mo’s demise will leave a huge void for all of his many friends. Funeral arrangements will be posted when completed by Mo’s family.

Thomas G. Clark, 58, of Fishers, a 2008 Olympic referee and longtime leader within USA Wrestling, passed away on Friday, March 10, 2017 at home. 

“He never grew up,” said Duane Morgan, commissioner of the Central Coast Section and a former wrestling official with Lovell. “He saw happiness in everything. He loved the kids. What a great life that is.”

Link to the Obituary