John Franklin Kuntz born April 6, 1940 went home with our Lord on April 29, 2023 at the age of 83 years. He was a man of incredible love for his wife and family. He grew up on a family farm setting in Lyndale, MN. He attended a one-room country schoolhouse until high school at Mound Westonka in Mound, MN. He also graduated from the Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis.
Sometime in 1962 he met the love of his life Joan Johanson from the small town of Wells, MN. They were married in 1963 while John was in the US Air Force. They lived in Apple Valley, CA near George Air Force Base and later in Wichita, KS near McConnell Air Force Base. He was proud be on the USAF rifle team. After he was discharged in September 1965, they moved to his childhood home in Lyndale. In June of 1966 a son John was born, and in March 1969 a daughter Emily.
Shortly after returning home, he met George Kass and Bob Cameron around 1967 or ‘68. They formed a friendship that lasted the rest of his life. He is well-known for his years of cartridge collecting with his partner Bob Cameron. This took him and Joan throughout Europe and Australia, and once to Turkey with George Kass.
John’s family was a constant source of pride in his life. Having been laid off from work in the mid ‘70s, he bought cross-country skis for his family so they could spend the winter learning to ski together. He often remarked how proud he was of his son who was selling tractors worth many times more than what his father made in his lifetime. He was in disbelief when his son shot a black bear with his bow and arrow in Ontario, Canada among many other hunting experiences. Likewise, he was amazed to hear his daughter shot edible sea gulls off of a small fishing boat in the Faroe Islands. While visiting his daughter who was an exchange student in Vienna, he was very proud to dance with his wife at the New Year’s Eve Ball in the Hofburg Palace. He loved antiquing and going to garage sales with Joan every weekend later in life, and enjoyed the grandchildren and great grandchildren with her.
John served his community in many ways – city council for 17 years, church board, firearms safety instructor, city planning commission, and many others. John was a hunter and loved the outdoors. He loved to tell stories about the old days of Lyndale.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years Joan, son John Edward (Lisa) and daughter Emily (Georgia), grandson John Elias (Amanda), and granddaughters Ellen (Logan) and Christa (Khale), great grandchildren Jack and Norah, sister Ann Graves and nephew Garth (Christine) and their children Zachary, Garrett, and Savannah.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 8, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery in Miles City with full military honors. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday May 8, 2023
Trinity Lutheran Church
221 S. Center
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Monday May 8, 2023
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
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joanndaeley says
I was in shock when I heard the news of John. I am so sorry. I will miss seeing him at ST Vs and at all the garage sales this summer. I am sending sympathy and my love to you Joan and familly.
Sandi Kohones says
Joan and family, I am so sad to hear of this loss! I will always remember John and Kenny putting their hearing aids on the table when the noise at the benefit got too much! Now they won’t need those hearing aids anymore . You are in my thoughts and prayers . John will be missed be all who had the pleasure of knowing him!
Mollie Phipps says
You were such a blessing to us when Kenny was alive, and you became friends we won’t soon forget. Rest in Peace Good Sir, you have earned a rest. Joan, I will hug you so big when I see you. To the rest of John’s family, he was an amazing human, may time ease the ache in your hearts, and the memories never fade.
Aaron Mollie Robert & Michael Phipps
Anthony D Blauert says
In our little town of Lyndale MN, the Kuntz name was on our roads and in our history. John would let me tag along and would give me his knowledge on how to fish, hunt, and trap. He was there when I shot my 1st deer, and for that, I am grateful to him. On one of his family fishing trip up North, His son John and I put his large boat motor on my father’s 12-foot fishing boat, and man did that thing go. John said only the prop was in the water. There are way too many great times to mention so I will end this by saying. To the man, I learned so much from RIP John F Kuntz I will never forget you.
Tom Haley says
I will miss your technical knowledge on cartridges and your happy smile. Many good memories went thru my mind, especially our trip to an Ammo auction in Minnesota. We got “locked out” of our car/the key was still in the ignition in the middle of NO WHERE. What a long night we had waiting for a “lock smith” to open the car door.
Meredith Johanson says
Such wonderful memories over the years of John and his love of antiques, nature, people and having fun. Jack won’t be forgotten! Hugs to all the family as you go through this time of transition. BIG hugs to you all! Mark and Meredith
Kimberly Zimmer says
My favorite memory of Jack is when my family and I were visiting Joan and Jack in Lyndale. Jack impressed my kids with his many collections and then let them dress up in some of his cowboy gear, hats and rifles. We have a few photos from that day that we often look at and smile! We send our love and caring thoughts to all the family.
Love, Kim and Steve; Zach, Kym, Adalyn and Nolan; Luke, Sarah and Evelyn; and Jacob
Jeff Faycosh says
Thoughts and prayers to the Kuntz Family. My sincere condolences.
Gene Piersa says
I bought my perfect Lyndale house/studio from John and Joan, December 2003! I called them couple of times over the years. Very happy last time was about 2 years ago to tell them how this house and neighbors were like a miracle for me. Alice lived across the street, she said when my mother died in 2005, no problem, she would adopt me. Paul Poirier lived 3 houses West of me; John told me to introduce myself to him. Paul and I became great friends, traded many stories and scrap metals, until Paul left about 4 years ago. Nearly 100% of my metal sculpture sales happened on my front lawn. When I told John at the Closing, to speak clear because I have a hearing issue from the military since I was 18, he told me to contact the VA to get hearing-aids; I have VA assistance since then. There’s always more to be grateful for, especially after someone passes.. Last Summer John and Family stopped by to review their former property, that was a memorable event. Thanks John and Joan! Sincere Condolences to Joan and All the Family!
Toni Toni Hirsch says
He was a great friend to me when I worked at the City of Independence. He knew I love to hunt and fish, he would stop in when he found a new-old gun to tell me about it. He was also a great historian when it came to the city of Lyndale and Independence. I missed him when he moved. Bless his family!
Judy Seifert says
Dear Joan. I was very sorry to hear of your husband John’s passing. Our sincere condolences to you and the family. I have fond memories of our high school days and gettin g to know you better in our social studies class even though we were on opposite sides. Haha. I would hope that our paths might cross again at perhaps one of our yearly get togethers in Wells during Kernel Days. I hope all your wonderful memories together will help to comfort you in the days ahead.
Judy Pregler Seifert.
Glennda and Bill Wolf says
Joan and Family, Bill and I are sending prayers. We are so very sorry and will miss seeing John at church.
Jessie Leidholt says
Dear Joan and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Our community is the poorer for it. Hugs to you.
Cathy Schultz says
Many fond memories of the holidays include Jack and Joan, John-John and Emmy staying with us on the farm when I was a kid! Jack’s big voice and large stature intimidated me… but I always knew he was one of those gentle giants! Rest in peace Uncle Jack! ❤️ I’m sending love and prayers to all of you! Cathy
Jan Munroe says
Joan and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincerest condolences. Jan
Mike & Patsy Davis says
Joan, John, Emily, lil John, Christa, Ellen and families,
Oh, this picture of Jack says it all! Loved that smile, and Jack was always friendly, helpful and so knowledgeable, and we’ll miss our visits! Love and Sympathy to all of you during these heartbreaking times.
Lila Stark says
John I was so sad by the News of this I am so Sorry my love and prayers are with you.
Dawn Dutton says
Joan, John, Emily, and family.
Our thoughts are with all of you on this tough day. We all wish for you to find and peace.
Much love,
Dawn, Frank, Eric, Danielle, Raina, Cullen, and Dahlia
Jerald Johanson says
I will remember Jack as one who worshiped his Heavenly Father, dearly loved his family and country. The last time I saw Jack he was wearing a very colorful “stars and stripes” shirt with an equally impressive patriotic cap. Jack and Joan (my beautiful twin) raised two wonderful children, Emily and John.
May Jack rest in peace.
Heinrich Kohlmann says
Liebe Joan und Emily! Die Nachricht vom Tod des Gatten und Vaters, meinem lieben Freund John macht mich sehr traurig. Ich erinnere mich immer wieder gern an die Tage, als ich bei ihm, als er noch in Minnesota lebte, war und in seinem Keller seine tollen Sammlungen bewundern durfte, aber auch daran, dass ich mit seiner Tochter Emily Wanderungen in den österreichischen Bergen gemacht hatte. Wir blieben über Jahrzehnte in regelmäßigem Kontakt, auch wenn es nur telefonisch war. Er wird mir fehlen und ich werde ihn in meine Gebete einschließen. Requiescat in pace.
Teresa Gregory says
Dear Grandma Joan,
We were so sad to find out about John’s passing.
We want to plan a trip out visit you!! We love and miss you. God bless you and your family, you are in our prayers.
Tom and Teresa Gregory