Our much loved Bradley Lee Kountz, 71, of Brockway, Montana passed away July 29, 2021 at University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City from complications of a heart infection.
Brad was born October 7, 1949 in Miles City, MT to Jack Kountz and Letha (Mothershead) Kountz, the youngest of five children, Barbara, Sharon, Beverly and Harvey. He attended Pasture Creek School with his siblings and Mothershead cousins, and completed grade school in Brockway. Brad graduated from Circle High School with the Class of 1967. He began his lifelong passion of farming and raising cattle with his father and later his wife Mary Kay. Brad and Mary started dating after his mother encouraged him to ask her out. Mary had worked on the ranch a couple summers earlier helping Letha with the household chores and evidently she thought they would make a nice couple.
Brad and Mary Kay (Berger) were married September 11, 1971 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Circle, Montana. They lived on the ranch, raising their daughters Tina, Carey and Kaylee. He was a generous and maybe at times, a bit too lenient Dad, he was a Grandpa that absolutely and unconditionally loved his grandkids, and Brad was a loving husband who never failed to tell Maris (Mary) every day that he loved her. He was so very proud of his daughters, his sons-in-law, and his amazing grandchildren. If anyone asked him about his kids or grandkids, Brad would proudly tell them all about their accomplishments and talents. Brad and Mary took them all to Disneyworld in 2018, a trip filled with good memories. He thoroughly enjoyed his family and extended family and friends, hunting with his friends and especially grandson Rhett, flying his airplane, raising top quality Gelbvieh and Angus cattle and bulls, farming, camping and boating at Fort Peck Lake and taking trips (as long as they weren’t too long!) with friends and family. He was a big sports fan and would cheer on the Circle Wildcat teams (especially when his kids and grandkids were on the court), the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Montana Griz, and the Big Timber Sheepherders. Brad also was also a big rodeo fan, making the trip to the NFR three times and was always looking for a rodeo to watch on TV. He enjoyed roaming the countryside in his side-by-side, a good rib steak and an occasional cold beer or a Pendleton and 7-up. Kountz Ranch, Inc. held a bull sale for over thirty years and Brad always said the most satisfying things about the bull business was meeting people, checking out EPD’s to improve the program and the social gathering after the sale. Anyone that knew Brad would say he was an extremely social and generous man and seemed to make friends wherever he was. He never knew a stranger and whomever he met, before the conversation was over, Brad probably had found out the people they knew in common, where they lived, etc. Mary would be in a panic when she saw him in a deep conversation with someone and she would wonder if this was someone she should know and she couldn’t remember them. Later Brad would say, no I just met him. Brad and Mary retired from ranching and farming in 2015, so recent years were spent doing whatever they choose to do which often centered around grandchildren’s sports and school activities, helping the neighbors, trips to Big Timber to see the Kleinsassers and check out their mini cows and road trips with friends. We know things won’t be the same without him or seeing that big smile of his, but we will always hear him say, “Just be nice!”, “It’s five o’clock somewhere!”, “Well, there you go again.”, “Time for another one”, and “Have a good one!”
Brad was a member of the Brockway Commercial Club, Brockway Entertainment Committee, American Gelbvieh Association, American Angus Association, a member of the Brockway School Board for many years, and a 4H leader. He participated in the Brockway Community plays when those were a fund raising project and helped out at the Brockway Dairy Day Rodeo.
Brad is survived by his wife of almost 50 years Mary Kay, his daughters Tina (Cary) Phillips of Circle and grandchildren Ramsey Bailey, Rhett Bailey, Flint Phillips, and Falynn Phillips; Carey Schneider of Billings, and Kaylee (Matt) Kleinsasser of Big Timber and their children Greeley and Izzy; his sister Bev (Jerry) Eissinger, his brother Harv (Patrice) Kountz, his mother-in-law Irene Berger; brothers and sisters-in-law Michael and Betty Berger, Clay and Sherry Berger, Deanna and Tim Rittal, Patti and Mark Soares, Greg and Noreen Berger, and Therese and Mark Iwaniak, whose friendships and support were cherished, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Brad was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Letha; his son-in-law Scott Schneider; his sister Barbara Sutton and her husband Henry; and his sister Sharon Reather and her husband Ron (Alice); and his fathers-in-law, Clay (Minnie) Berger and Mervyn Berger.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the Circle High School Gymnasium. Interment will follow in the Brockway Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the McCone County 4-H Club, McCone County Fire Department, Redwater Valley Ambulance service or to the Circle Wildcat Booster Club.
Bradley Kountz, age 71, of Brockway.
October 7, 1949 – July 29, 2021
Patsy &Harvey Kuntz says
Mary Kay and girls, so sorry to hear about Brad’s passing. He was a wonderful man, always had time to visit. It’s hard but keep your memories close to your heart
Ellen Hart says
Mary Kay and family: I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Brad. I have always enjoyed reading in the Banner about your adventures and trips. You are all in my prayers.
Harvey & Trudy Kirkegard says
Mary Kay, Tina, Carrie, & Kaylie and families,
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. Brad was a classmate and an all around good guy! He always had a hearty laugh and eager to visit with anyone. Brad will be missed by many and our prayers and condolences go out to each of you. Keep the memories close to your hearts.
Cole Johnson says
Mary Kay, Tina, Carrie, & Kaylie
We are saddened hearing of Brad’s passing. Hearing of this brought back many fond memories of fly-ins & other family get togethers. Praying for you all.
Cole & Nikki Johnson
Jere Freiboth says
Mary Kay: Sorry to hear of Brad’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during these hard times.
Jere Freiboth
Sharon Finneman says
Oh my this is so sad. Words just cannot express my sadness for your loss. He was one of the sweetest classmates. Always friendly and nice guy. I’m so sorry for your loss. He will be missed and remembered fondly. Prayers for you and family.
Judy Nerud says
Mary Kay and family,
It was heartbreaking to hear of Brad’s passing. We have so many great memories of this special man…such a kind and gentle soul who always had a smile on his face and was full of laughter. Our deepest condolences to you.
Diane, Sharon and Judy Hubing
Nancy Pasha says
Mary Kay and family,
I am so sad that you have lost your husband. He was such a great guy. Your girls were so blessed to have such a great Dad while growing up. He left them with so many memories to cherish. Please know that we all are praying for you and love your family so much. God Bless you!
Louise Twitchell says
Brad will be missed by many. Thinking of you all.
Carol says
We are so sorry to hear of Brad’s passing. Always a smile and a handshake, such a nice person. We keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers. God gained a good one!
Randy & Carol Hanrahan
Dick & Carol Scheetz says
RIP my good friend. You will be missed. My condolences to Mary Kay and the rest of the family.
Ted and Shirley Heitz says
Mary Kay, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family. Brad’s smile, humor and friendliness will always be missed.
Jess Neuman says
RIP Brad! You are already missed so much. I sure treasure the last trip to Missoula or should I say “adventure” you and Mary made with my folks for a Griz game a few years ago. You entertained us the whole time! I can still hear the laughter. My poor kids still have Goldilocks and The Little Red Riding Hood stories confused. Was sure hoping for a repeat this Fall.
Ric Carolla says
Mary, Tina and family. We are so sorry for your loss. We will miss our fall visits and dinners. Seems just when a fella gets to where he wants to be, its too late. We will miss our friend. Ric Carolla, Tim Carolla, Kirk Wright, Jack Bell and Ken Seelinger
Sheila Atkinson Schwartz says
Mary Kay and family,
What a shock and I know words are inadequate. May God’s presence surround you and the memories of Brad comfort you during the days and weeks to come. He was the finest example of a man devoted to his wife and daughters. I can’t remember Brad ever when he wasn’t enjoying life to the fullest and had such a gracious heart and contagious laugh.
Darbie Karch and family says
Kaylee and all of Brad’s family so sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. 💜
Burt, Monique, Kael and Isis Keltner says
Quite simply one of best. Always a smile and a great conversation. Enjoyed every minute of his company. Not enough room here to express my gratitude at knowing him.
Debbie (Bond) Wagner says
Hugs and prayers to Mary Kay and the whole family. I will always remember Brad’s smile and laughter while growing up in Brockway and throughout the years coming home for visits. What a special family you are!
Larry and Sheri Schmidt says
Brad was such a nice man, always friendly and willing to visit. He will be missed by many. I remember good times in high school, he was a great classmate. Stay strong and may God’s peace and love give you much comfort.
Kathy Aakre-Ruddy says
Mary Kay and family I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of Brad. He was a kind man and always had a smile and kind word to say. He was a part of Brockway and will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Ash Benjamy says
So so sorry about Brads passing. Hex was one of the nicest guys I ever knew from the first day I met him. Always so enjoyable and happy to visit with. Will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go to the entire family.
Aaron & Jessica Bradley says
We are do sorry for your loss. Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs to you all.
Beth Sutton says
Mary and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Still doesn’t seem real this happened. We all know Brad is in a better place from this crazy world we are in now. Danny will miss their talks talking politics and hunting. Sorry I can’t make the trip with Bill and Danny. Please know we are only a phone call away and will always keep in touch. We love you all and will miss Brad tremendously.
Rhonda Mothershead says
Brad & Mary Kay were wonderful neighbors at Brockway. I am so sorry to hear that Brad has passed. I remember him telling me that he loved the song “Carrie Ann” & that was the reason for Carey’s name. I always think of Carey when I hear that song. A big hug to Mary Kay, Tina, Carey & Kaylee & all of those who loved Brad. God Bless you. Rhonda Mothershead, Melanie & Benton Brown, Luke & Ashley Sarro
Joren Moos says
I’m not to sure what to say other than he was a very caring, kind, and respectful man. He will always be missed but never forgotten.
Cindy (Mothershead) Stanton says
I’m so sorry about the loss of Brad. What a friendly guy. Whenever he saw you, he would grin, wave and either holler or come right over. He always showed sincere interest in what you’d been up to (whether it had been a week or a few years since you’d seen him) what your kids were up to, how was business, etc. From having a cold drink at the old Brockway Bar, 40 years ago to being a staple at Brockway Dairy, you could always count on Brad to have a smile on his face and a friendly attitude. The love he had for Mary Kay, his girls and grandkids was always evident. Always.
Thanks for being you Brad. You will be missed immensely.
Mari Pederson says
Mary Kay and family,
l was so sorry to hear of Brad’s passing. I pray that the Lord will keep you all in His loving arms during this time of loss. What l remember most about Brad was his big smile and his laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
David Pippin says
Mary Kay and Families
No words can express the sorrow we feel over your loss. We have you in our prayers and thoughts as you go through this. A tremendous loss to Family , community, and friend .
Our thoughts are with you.
Dave and Marie Pippin
Mary Kasten Grube says
I’m so sorry for your loss. May God bless you Mary Kay through this loss and wrap his loving arms around you, your children, and grandchildren. Remember babysitting those little girls years and years ago!! You both were so kind to me, a shy little girl myself!! His presence in the McCone County community will certainly be missed!
Robin Wolff says
Mary Kay, we were so sorry to hear about Brad and extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. May your years of happiness with Brad and so many good memories comfort you now and always.
Robin Wolff & Rodd Hamman
John Laney says
Brad will be missed at the Beef Breeders Show in Miles City. Looked forward to seeing him every year. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pam Rogge says
Kaylee,
My prayers and condolences are with your family at this time and in the days ahead.
Linda Bird says
Mary and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. I can’t imagine how much you all will miss him. Such a grand man!
Marjorie Hersel says
Mary Kay and all of Brad’s family,
We are so deeply sorry to hear of Brad’s passing. He was an amazing man whom we always enjoyed the times we had. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this hard time.
Andy and Marjorie Hersel
Jody West says
So sorry for your loss. Brad was a nice man.
Darol&Donna Rang says
Mary Kay and family! So sorry to have Brad pass, but I feel the good Lord needed some expert advice and has called on Brad for his knowledge . A super great man.
Chai Chapmon says
Mary, Kaylee and family, We are so sorry for the loss of Brad. I remember how Kaylee so excited about the Beef Breeders show and the annual Bull Sale that she always need the time off to help her Dad! never forget. He is one of the nicest person I know and surely gonna miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
phil anderson says
mary and family so sorry to here about Brad he will be missed always had time to visit with him he always cared about people
Larry Keltner says
Hello Mary and Girls,
I have been told by many family and friends of Brad’s recent passing over the last week. I once again find the lack of skill to adequately type a message that truly conveys how much Joy Brad always exuded to me. I was on a business trip this Spring in Terry and was fortunate to see Brad and Mary for an enthusiastic palaver; as always. I enjoyed poking him fun about his sterling smile and infectious laugh. As many locals, Brad was a true late ’80’s Terrier football fan and after these years still remarked to me about how much fun he had cheering us on. Another example of him being the cheerleader for those around him. I will always remember the Miles Bull Show where my employer and Kountz’s were penned side by side. It was a day filled with stories and laughter and eye rolling. All enjoyable in every respect. At least for me 😉 Three Cheers for Brad, Huzzah, Huzzah, Huzzah!!
LK
Diane Ehman says
Tim and I have fond memories of Brad. So sorry to hear of his passing. God’s speed to you Mary and your girls.
Tim a d Diane Ehman
Ken and Vicki Hess says
We are so saddened by Brad’s passing away. He always had that big smile and was a champ of a guy. He certainly will be missed.
Patricia Smith says
The Kountz family, sorry for your loss, blessings to all the family.
Pat
Dan Magalsky says
Mary and family,
I’m sorry for your loss of Brad. I’m praying that God in His loving kindness will comfort you all with His grace to get through this time of grieving and adjusting. May He draw you near to Him and give you wisdom in making decisions.
It was nice to meet up with you and Brad over the years at various events, etc. I could always look forward to a cheerful friendly smile and greeting from you both. That meant a lot to me. Not everyone is willing to be friendly.
You two were above average for sure that way. We will miss Brad, as I know you will. Brad was a blessing in my life.
I’m glad that I got to know him over the years.
Jack and Kris Crocker and family says
Kaylee and family, sorry for your loss. Prayers for healing hearts.
Michele Mickolio says
Brad was such a great man! I am so sorry for your tour loss. I can not imagine the pain you are feeling. In time I hope you can have some peace in knowing that he is at home in heaven. And ya know you’ve all got one amazing guardian ANGLE now. I remember Brad took me and my brother and my Grandmother for an airplane ride once (made one of Grandmas dreams come true!) He was such a genuinely kind man. I will charish the many “over night stays” with Carey. The “almost complete sandwich” story is my favorite! God Bless you
Leta Tjon Wicka says
Such a fine man. I read the previous comments and am glad for the opportunity to know him and spend time in my younger years with the family.
Linda & Gene Schwenke says
Mary Kay, we just read that Brad had passed away. We are so sorry….he was such a kind, friendly person. (Gene remembers trading his ‘47 Chevy for Brad’s ‘56 Ford convertible!) Our sincere condolences to you and your family.