Michael Kuntz

Michael Peter Kuntz

Michael “Mike” was born on May 25, 1931, to Peter and Johanna (Burkhartsmeier) Kuntz in Devils Lake, ND. He grew up in Southam, ND and graduated from high school in Doyon, ND in 1949. After graduation he attended Mayville State Teachers College until he joined the National Guard Unit of the 47th Infantry Division. His unit was activated on January 15, 1951, and was stationed at Camp Rucker, AL. His unit was deactivated the same year. He came back home and married the love of his life Mary Ann Rice on April 11, 1953, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Doyon. He graduated from Mayville State Teachers College in 1955 and was hired to teach in Leeds, ND. In 1956, Mike was hired as the high school principal in Leeds. He attended summer school at UND and received his master’s degree in 1960. He went on to be hired as Superintendent of Schools in Badger, MN, Ada, MN, and Jackson, MN. He retired in 1994, finishing a 40-year career in education. He prided himself on never having to apply for a job. In 1998, Mike and Mary moved to a lake home on West McDonald Lake near Dent, MN. They loved living on the lake and enjoyed spending time with family, neighbors, and friends. Mike lived at his lake home until 2020. He was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in July 2020 and in December he moved to Elim Shores Senior Living Community, Eden Prairie, MN to be closer to his children who became his caregivers. Mike passed away peacefully, with his family at his side after a courageous battle against cancer on November 24, 2024.

Mike was a kind, gentle soul who loved his family and friends. He was very proud of his children, their spouses and grandchildren; they were all very special to him. He was a good conversationalist and enjoyed sharing stories past and present. At the lake he was often found sitting in his chair out front so he could do just that. He was a man of strong faith and a very generous man, generous with his time, talents, and money. He loved all sports, his favorites being golf, hockey, baseball, and basketball. He played basketball at Mayville State and was an avid golfer. He was also active in Kiwanis and a member of the Minnesota State High School League board.

Michael is survived by his daughter Lisa (Jeff) Molenaar, Eden Prairie, MN; son Michael (Barb) Kuntz, Eden Prairie; son-in-law Bruce Link, Bismarck, ND; six grandchildren Daniel, Carly, and Matthew Molenaar, Eden Prairie, Sarah and Meghan Kuntz, Eden Prairie, and Kyrie Link, Rochester, MN; brothers Ray Kuntz and Jacob “Jake” Kuntz, Devils Lake, ND; sisters Mary Dahlen, Grand Forks, ND, Janet Mertens, Devils Lake, and Theresa Kuntz, Wellington, CO; sisters-in-law Adele (Gordon) Spidahl, Dent, MN and Merillyn Rice, West Fargo, ND; along with many nieces, nephews and their families.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; wife Mary Ann; daughter Michelle Link; brother Edward Kuntz; sister Evelyn Olsen; brothers-in-law Wayne Rice, Charles Mertens, and Bill Dahlen; and sister-in-law Helen Kuntz.

Visitation will be 10:00-11:00 a.m. followed by the memorial service at 11:00 on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Perham, MN. Burial will be in Calvary Memorial Cemetery near Perham. The memorial service will be livestreamed at https://www.schoenebergerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/michael-kuntz

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com