Perry Kuntz, age 66, of Circle passed away suddenly at his home on Wednesday, December 10, 2014.
Perry was born in Dickinson, North Dakota on November28, 1948 to Monica Schwindt Kuntz and John C Kuntz. He moved to circle from Medora, North Dakota with his parents and his siblings at an early age, when his parents purchased the Circle Huskey Service Station. He attended elementary and high school in Circle Montana, and later attended Denver Automotive in Denver Colorado. Perry quit when his father fell ill, and moved back home to Circle to help out at the Station. He then went to work at a body shop for Bob Vester, which he later purchased. After the purchase of the body shop, Perry joined the Montana National Guards. Perry was a 30 year veteran of the Circle Fire Department, along with fighting wild land fires for the Department of State Lands. On December 22nd 1973 Perry married Paula Hamman of Circle MT. They then later had two boys, Trenton (Tj) Kuntz born in 1976 and later Tyler Lynn Kuntz was born in 1982. Perry ended up selling the Body Shop and started a Roustabout Petro-Renovations. Perry was a butcher at the Big Sky Locker Plant where he cut and processed meat, which he enjoyed very much. He then purchased the Travelers Inn Motel in 1989 and formed a partnership with Arvid (Ole) Rolandson, which he still owned up until the time of his death. Along with owning and running the motel, Perry worked for the City of Circle as a Town Engineer for five years. Perry also managed the V.F.W Post 4813 in Circle MT. Perry was a jack of all trades and there was not anything he wasn’t willing to learn. If you tell him he couldn’t do something, he would work to prove you wrong, no matter how long it took! Perry was known for his generosity to strangers and good friends alike. He was very much a practical jokester and was known for telling tall tales. Perry was very active in the baseball association, announcing games and helping with his own son’s when they were in baseball. Some of Perry’s hobbies included, fishing, golfing, hunting, and colleting antiques along with many other things. Perry had huge heart for all children, and they knew him well… when that grey four runner came around, they knew Perry always had some candy or a sucker to hand out. Perry took the time to become part of the Circle community by joining the Circle Jaycee’s and served as president for a term. He was also a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.
Perry is preceded in death by his parents John and Monica Kuntz, two nieces Londa and Brenda Kuntz, his great niece Chaela Kuntz, sister in law Sharon Kuntz and his grandparents. He was also preceded in death by his mother and father in law, Red and Alice Hamman. Perry is survived by his wife Paula, his son Trenton his granddaughter Serenity, his son Tyler (Penny) and two granddaughters Catalena and Caydence. Len and Kathy Kuntz (Pam, Lisa, Cindy); Ray (Squeak) and Linda Kuntz (Wade, D’Lon); Ruth (Toots) and Rudy Haynie (Kirk, Kyle, Kory); Harvey and Patsy Kuntz (John, Travis, Jennifer, Amber); Bonnie and Bill Gardner (Tonya, Chad); Sandy and Dale Dean (April, Andy, Adam). He is also survived by his brothers & sisters in law Rodd (Robin Wolff) Hamman (Alex), Ryan (Colleen) Hamman (Keyleigh, Jared, Trevor) and numerous nieces & nephews.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2014 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Circle with family receiving friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, December 15, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Circle. Interment will follow in the Riverview Cemetery with full military honors. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Circle is in charge of the arrangements.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday December 14, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Circle, MT 59215
Mass of Christian Burial
2:00 p.m
Monday December 15, 2014
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church
Circle, MT 59215
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday December 14, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Circle, MT 59215
Mass of Christian Burial
2:00 p.m
Monday December 15, 2014
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church
Circle, MT 59215
Marsha Quinn says
Paula & family, I am so sorry to hear of Perry’s passing. I will miss his jokes & smart remarks. He has always helped me out when I needed him. I have literally known him all my life & I will miss him tremendously. May you & your family find the peace & strength needed right now. You are in my prayers.
Marsha McCraw Quinn
Glen and Teena Bollinger says
Pau;la and all Perry’s family’
We were so shocked to read about Perry. Will sure miss visiting with him at the Vets Club. He always had a good story to tell. It won’t be the same. Our deepset sympathy to all the family.
Glen and Teena Bollinger
Roxy Kasten Musser says
Paula and family. I’m so sorry to hear about Perry. Many prayers are being sent your way.
Tammy Combs says
Dear Paula and family,
I was shocked to hear of Perry’s passing. I remember babysitting TJ quite a bit when I was younger. I remember Perry giving me rides home afterwards…..he would have me laughing the whole way home!!! He was a character! I remember him always smiling! My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family…..wIshing you God’s peace during this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss.
Mary Jo (Neruda) Lawrence says
Paula and family – Kuntz families
So sorry to hear of Perry’s passing. Perry was in my class of ’67. He was a special spirit. He is now at peace in God’s loving arms. May God’s special Graces encircle each of you with healing and peace. You are in my thoughts and prayers. MJ
Lacey Verschoot says
Paula and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Perry and my dad (Charlie) have been great friends for a long time. It was always good to get to Circle and stop in and say Hi! He always had an incriminating story to tell about him and Dad! I think the last time I stopped, Dad had sent a bunch of beets with me from his garden, and Perry got right to work cooking up some borsch. Much to the dismay of the rest of the patrons! He was a great guy and he will be missed by many.
Diana & Alvin Schwindt says
We are sorry to have received the news about Perry. We are also sorry we won’t be able to be with you next week, and participate in his prayer & funeral & committal services. Please know our thoughts & prayers are with all of you during this time of grief. Al is working on Monday & Tuesday & it is hard to find coverage in the Drug Store. May God bless all of you…..
Bruce and Jeanne Breitbach says
Paula and Family,
We were sorry to hear about Perry—-we always enjoyed visiting with him on our trips to Circle. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Diane (Shamley) Ligon says
Paula and family;
So sorry to read about Perry, My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Harvey and Trudy Kirkegard says
Paula, TJ and Tyler,
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Perry….and we send you our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers. Perry was in my class of ’67 and I have a lot of high school memories of him. May God bless each of you and grant you peace.
Kathy Schillinger McGowan says
There was only one Perry. I don’t think he had a mean bone in his body. Once a friend, always a friend. We were lucky to have such a small class, just like family. Good memories. It always good to see him when I made trips home. Peace, Perry.
Tom Reeves says
Perry was my first boss at Per’s Body Shop. What I remember is how hard he tried to teach me the craft. It wasn’t to be,, but I appreciated that he gave me the chance to learn. Perry was my friend for nearly 40 years, and I will miss him. My thoughts are with you.
Connie (Gackle) Phalen says
Paula and family….I, too, was stunned at the news of Perry’s passing. I’m sorry that I won’t be able to attend the service for him and give you a hug in person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all for strength and comfort as you face each day.
Matt and Kaylee Kleinsasser says
Paula, TJ, Tyler and family- We are very sorry to hear of Perry’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I will always remember Perry for his wonderful sense of humor and great smile.
Carey (Kountz) Schneider says
Paula, TJ, Tyler and family ~
Saddened to hear about Perry. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May you find some comfort in the love of family and friends and reflecting on so many special memories.
Crystal (Witte) Fallat says
So very sad of the loss of a great man. My thoughts and prayer to everyone.
Lynn and Bernie Harrington says
Sorry to hear about Perry. Prayers to you and your family.
Dean & Jan McCabe says
So sorry to hear of Perry’s passing. May God hold you all close during this time.
Jim & Lucy says
Paula & family,
Sorry to hear about Perry. He was always a good friend.
Don & Judy Elletson says
Paula and Family, We were so saddened to hear that you guys lost Perry. Hope having family close and lots of humorous memories will be of comfort to you and the boys and extended family.
Laurie Rodriguez says
Paula and family
Thoughts and prayers to all of you. Perry will be missed!
Ric and Laurie Rodriguez
Laura Zimmerman says
Paula and family,
So sorry to hear about Perry. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad and difficult time.
Laura Wolff Zimmerman
Debbie (Bond) Wagner says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We will miss seeing Perry when we come back to visit and stay at the Traveler’s.
Bruce Clausen says
Dear Paula and family…..so sorry to hear of Perry’s passing. My condolences. We spent some quality time at the ballpark and at school while in Circle, and the kids were good friends with mine. Take care.
Bruce Clausen
Dea (Nefzger) Hostetler says
Paula and family – so very sorry to hear about Perry. Holding you up in prayer, especially during this season. Hugs, Dea