John Kuntz, 94, of Dickinson, formerly of Mott, died Sunday May 25, 2008 at Evergreen in Dickinson.


John was born April 3, 1914 on the family farm near Hebron, ND. He was the 3rd oldest of 11 children born to Mike and Marian (Judt) Kuntz. He was raised and educated in the Hebron area.


In his early 20's, because of the drought in ND, he went to eastern Montana to drive truck for the beet and potato harvest. He had fond memories of shoveling out his side dump truck. He was also very active in a baseball league during this time.


He met his future bride at a barn dance. On September 19, 1939, he was united in marriage to Kathryn Marthaller at the St. Placidus Church north of Mott. They lived south of Glen Ullin for 2 years until purchasing a farm north east of Mott. During this time they had 2 children, Rodney and Ilene. In their 30 some years of farming, they saw many technological advances. One of John's favorites was a 6 foot pull-behind combine he named "Molly". "Molly" and her tractor replaced his team of horses. John & Kathryn retired in 1975 and moved into Mott.


After retiring, they enjoyed being "snow-birds" and met lots of new friends in their travels.


John was active in the Knights of Columbus, Mott Country Club & was on the Burt bowling team. He also enjoyed playing cards with family & friends, spending time with his grandchildren and watching all sports.


Grateful for having shared his life are; one son, Rodney & Georglynn Kuntz, Henderson NV; one daughter, Ilene & Claude Hardmeyer, Mott ND; 6 grandchildren; Roudelynn & Rob Waldref, Joel & Tami Kuntz, Jamie & Jay Kimball, Rae Keeth, Nadra & Ben Auch and Orrin & MaRanda Hardmeyer. 9 great-grandchildren; Justin & Timothy Waldref, Travis Kuntz, Stuart & Jessalyn Kimball, Erin Keeth, Kaden & Kendra Auch and Isabelle Hardmeyer; 3 sisters; Betty Barth, Barbara Truman and Frances Roll.


He was preceded in death by his wife Kathryn, son-in-law Claude, 3 brothers, Mike, Matt, Andrew; 4 sisters, Katherine, Eva, Claudia, and Magdelyn; and his parents.


The Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30am Friday, May 30, at St. Vincent's Catholic Church in Mott. Fr Dennis Schaefer and Fr Charles Zins will officiate with burial in Sunnyslope Cemetery at Mott.


Special music will be provided by Rachel Mayer. Serving as casketbearers are Orrin Hardmeyer, Ben Auch, Joel Kuntz, Rob Waldref, Jay Kimball, and Chuck Van Lishout. John's Granddaughters, Great Grandchildren, and his "family" at Evergreen are considered honorary bearers.


A memorial has been established to the Evergreen chapel building fund.