Raymond Joseph Kuntz

Raymond Joseph Kuntz, 81, of Drake, ND passed away Saturday, December 31, 2022 at St. Aloisius Medical Center in Harvey, ND. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 5, 2023, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, Drake, North Dakota. Fr. Thomas Graner will officiate and burial will be in the church cemetery in the spring. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 4, 2023 followed by a rosary and vigil service all at the church. Arrangements are with the Nelson Funeral Home of Drake, ND.

Raymond was born on January 30, 1941 to Joseph and Mary (Brunner) Kuntz in Drake, ND. He was raised in rural Drake, graduating from Drake High School in 1959. He attended North Dakota State University from 1959-1963. After college, he returned to Drake and began farming with his dad.

Raymond married Sara Rall on October 9, 1965 in Drake, ND. They made their home on the farm in Drake. They were blessed with three children, Tim, Tammy and Susan. Ray continued to farm until 2010 when he became ill.

Raymond was a member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles – Harvey, ND. He served on the Drake Public School Board, as well the Spring Grove Township for many years. He was a member of the Drake Golf Club. He could be found on the course Sunday mornings after church with his son and the evening with the family for potluck dinner and another round of golf with the family. His hobbies included model railroading and woodworking. He was a true artist from building intricate buildings for his train layout to the scroll saw and intarsia pieces he created that have brought joy to so many people. He loved a good polka, waltz or jitterbug. Dancing with him was like floating on the clouds. He was a dedicated Green Bay Packers and NDSU Bison fan and followed them for many years. Some of his best memories were being able to attend games at Lambeau Field and seeing the Bison play at the Fargodome.

Raymond loved farming. He was diligent in caring for his land, livestock and John Deere equipment. He raised cattle, pigs, and grain crops which kept him busy throughout the year. After a health condition forced him to retire earlier than planned, he traded his four-wheel drive tractor for the lawn tractor. His lawn was even more meticulously cared for than it had been throughout the years as he traded the fields for the farmstead.

Ray was a kind hearted man who loved his family. He loved to tease. His grandchildren held a special place in his heart. He had a soft side for animals, his dogs Lucy and Bella spent hours by his side.

He is survived by his wife Sara of Drake, son Tim (Kim) Kuntz of Minot, daughters Tammy (Preston) Sherman of Bismarck, Susan (Jayson) Walcker of Turtle Lake; grandchildren Haley Kuntz (Aaron Ogrodnick) and Samuel Kuntz of Minot, Matthew Schroeder and Jarred Schroeder of Bismarck, Luke Walcker of Turtle Lake, step granddaughter Brooklynn Sherman of Fort Collins, Colorado and step grandson Gavyn Sherman of Bismarck. Sisters-in-law Adeline (Arnie) Lautt, Sharline Godfrey, and Mary Rall. Brothers-in-law Ted (Linda) Rall, Albert (Anna) Rall, and Leonard Rall.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Mary (Brunner) Kuntz, parents-in law Chris and Sara Rall, Brothers-in-law Cal Rall, Chris Rall Jr, Sisters-in-law Willie Tiefenthaler, Tillie Wollaston, and Cleo Schatz, sons-in-law Kenn Schroeder and Kent Gefroh.

In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials are preferred to the Special Project Fund, St. Margaret Mary’s Church, PO Box 197, Drake, ND 58736.