Paul Roscoe Kountz, age 71 of Jordan, Montana passed away at Billings Clinic Hospital, Sunday December 30, 2012.
Paul was born to Ted and Anna (Khuel) Kountz on August 7, 1941. He is the largest baby on record born in Garfield County.
Paul lived a life full of adventure, even from a young age. At age six, he was riding on a tractor with his brother when he fell off and was run over by the plow, breaking his leg. He told many stories of him walking the long miles to school on crutches.
His entire life, Paul was a hardworking man, starting at a young age herding sheep at the Milroy Ranch. During high school he and his friend Bob Rath took the job of putting the hundreds of stakes, to keep the longhorn cattle in, into the Benny Benion fence that runs along MT HWY 200 E. They were paid 5 cents per stake and the fence still stands today.
During the 60’s, while working road construction as a paver operator, his paver was struck by a drunk truck driver, causing the paver to crush his leg and cut the muscle above the knee. He was told that he would never walk without a leg brace. Determined, he sat on the floor and lifted the couch with his leg until it was strong again. He lived the rest of his life without any brace.
He worked for several road construction companies, including: Sweeny & Lustgraph, Gilpatrick, and Long. He was proud of the roads he helped build, from across Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota and California, but especially the highway between Miles City and Jordan.
He had a high pressure cleaning business with his brothers in Casper, Wyoming where he met his wife of 45 years, Linda Slater. They lived in Casper for several years and then moved to the ranch in Jordan. Years later, they moved to Colstrip, MT where Paul worked for Montana Power Company as leadman mechanic for twenty five years. On his retirement, they bought the ranch from his folks and moved to Jordan where they resided until his death.
Paul loved his family and friends and enjoyed sharing his life experiences with his kids and grandchildren.
He had a fondness for old cars and collected many. He especially liked Studebakers and collected quite a few. He loved to talk cars with anyone and go on car runs with his 1932 Plymouth that had belonged to his father.
Paul was a gentle loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife Linda, of Jordan, daughter Kim of Miles City and son Everett (Guy) of Beulah, North Dakota. Five brothers: Frank and his wife Jill, and Bill of Terry, Jim and wife Char of Casper, Wyo, Jon of Miles City, Ronnie of Nebraska, and one sister Margarete of Miles City. One Aunt, Alfretta Ofstadahl of Circle Montana. Eight grandkids: Keilee, Alyssa, Shane, Tieler, Laramie, Tanner, Kody and Khorey. And two great grandchildren: Nevaeh and Kaiah, as well as numerous cousins, nieces & nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and two sisters.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 4, 2013 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Jordan. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the VFW Hall in Jordan. Interment will be held at a later date. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Jordan is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Glen and Teena Bollinger says
We are so sorry to hear about Paul. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepset sympathy to all the family. God Bless! Glen and Teena
Teresa and Mark Hougardy says
Prayers to you and your family at this time. God be with you all. Remember all the good times you had to share.
Shane & Holly Harbaugh says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss, Paul was such a wonderful person and a great friend to my Dad. May God watch over you during this time?
Huseby's says
Linda, Kim and Guy and families:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of loss of Paul. May God comfort you during this time. I just remember all of the good times that our families had together on the Big Dry! Keep the memories alive during your time of healing.
God Bless,
Ian, Karla, Collin and Jaqcee
Bill & Karen (Curran) Dutton says
We are sorry to hear of your loss of Paul. We are sending prayers for you and yours at this time.
With much sympathy,
Bill and Karen
John & Jenny Frady says
We are o sorry for your loss. We are going to miss Paul . are prayers go to easy your pain.
Your friends,
John & Jenny
Dodie Paxson says
I am so sorry to hear of great loss of Paul. I went to first grade at Van Norman and Ronnie, Bill & Jim were in school then although we knew all of the Kountz kids. Prayers go out to all of you to help ease your pain. I can still see him dance. He was so kind and thoughtful to all.
Dodie (McDonald) Paxson
Terry and Deanna Murnion says
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you and your Family. Paul will be missed by all who knew him. He was a Special Person who always had the time to visit when ever you saw him.
Dennis and Diane Hubbard says
Linda, Kim and Guy,
We are so sorry to hear about Paul. As friends and neighbors in Colstrip, we never saw Paul without a smile. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Leslie Manning says
sorry to hear of Paul’s passing he will be missed think of the times in Colstrip and he would unthaw my trailer wonderful person prayers Linda
Darell & Questa Curtiss says
Linda, Kim, Guy & families,
We are so sorry to hear about Paul, he was a wonderful person and will be missed by all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with each & everyone of you.
Pat Smith says
Dear Margarete and all the families, Sorry to hear about Paul. My clearest memory of him was how smart he was. Know that Dolores is looking out for him and bossing him around a little if she can. If there is anything which I can do Marg please to let me know. Love Pat