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Michael Kuntz • 1912 - 2004 Michael Kuntz, 91, 21 1st Ave SE, Minot, ND, died Wednesday, July 21, 2004, at a Minot hospital. Michael was born November 17, 1912, in Orrin, ND, the son of John and Angeline (Duchsherer) Kuntz. He attended elementary school in Devils Lake and Blumfeld. At a young age Michael entered the Civilian Conservation Corps in Minnesota and worked in forestry and bridge construction. Upon returning home, he helped his father and others in the farming industry and later farmed for himself. Michael married Mathilda (Tillie) Schatz of Balfour on May 30, 1944. Together they farmed south of Balfour until 1946. In the fall of 1946, he bought interest in the Balfour Oil Co. garage and bulk plant. He sold his interest in the spring of 1949 and moved to Washburn and worked as a mechanic for Hoffman Motors. In October of 1950, he went into partnership with his brother-in-law, Leonard Schatz, and owned and operated the M&L Bar in Hillsboro, ND. During this time, he attended Hanson Trade School in Fargo and earned a diploma in welding and lathe specialties. Michael and his family moved to Minot in the fall of 1956. He began working as a truck mechanic for Sweetheart Bakery. The following year he installed the new overhead conveyor system and then became maintenance engineer until his retirement in 1979. Mike was a jack-of-all-trades and acquired many other interests. Many of his evenings, free weekends and vacations were spent working as a landscaper for Talbott Nursery, building privacy fences for Minot homeowners, and home remodeling projects, (specializing in plumbing, electrical and carpentry work). While in Hillsboro and Minot, Mike not only worked but was a participant in many community and social activities. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and after 50 years became a life member. He was a member of the Holy Name Society, lay distributor and altar server for St. Leo's Catholic Church. He enjoyed bowling and belonged to bowling leagues in both communities. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge in Minot. Michael and his wife Tillie enjoyed dancing. They were five-year
members of the Square Dance Club in Hillsboro and three years
in a Minot club. Mike was especially graceful on the polka dance
floor. He loved and was extremely competitive in pinochle. He
was an avid Minnesota Twins and Vikings fan and rarely missed
watching them on TV or listening to them on the radio. No matter
how involved, Mike's true enjoyment in life was his wife and
family. He was a devoted husband and father. MEMORIALS ARE PREFERRED TO ST. LEO'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, MINOT, ND, IN LIEU OF FLOWERS. Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, July 26, 2004, 10:30
p.m. at St. Leo's Catholic Church, Minot. Concelebrant: Monsignor Joseph Senger Eulogy: David Deardurff Readers: Rebecca Davis and Dawn Kuntz Music: John and Marcy Witteman Honorary Bearers: Mike's family and friends Active Bearers: Bob Wolf, Tony Bartsch, Leroy Haman,
Kurt Schatz, Stanley Kuntz, Sean Davis
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