George Putnam

Minot

With deep sorrow and heartfelt remembrance, we announce the passing of George K. Putnam, Jr., who left us on February 8, 2026, at the age of 79.

George K. Putnam, Jr. was born on November 19,1946, in Peterborough, New Hampshire, to George K. Putman, Sr. and Doris A. (Adams) Putnam.

A graduate of Appleton Academy’s Class of 1964, George’s early years were marked by a hands-on spirit and a willingness to learn. He pursued auto body repair and quickly proved his skill, though his career would later take a different direction. George found his calling maintaining equipment at a textile mill, where he became a trusted head repairman. Despite receiving a draft deferment, his strong sense of duty led him to enlist in the United States Air Force in February 1966.

George served with honor, training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas and Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama before receiving his first assignment at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota. It was there that fate led him to the love of his life, Michelina Kuntz. The two were married on June 22, 1968, in Cayuga, North Dakota. George’s Air Force career later took him to the Philippines and Idaho before he eventually settled back in North Dakota.

In 1973, George began a long and dedicated career with the Federal Civil Service, where he served faithfully until his well-earned retirement in June 2019. His commitment to hard work and integrity left a lasting impact on his colleagues and his community.

Above all, George cherished his family.

He will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 57 years, Michelina; children, Mike (Beth) Putnam, Brenda (Jamie) Slavik, and Keith (Abigail) Putnam; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, who were the joy of his life. George also leaves behind sister, Kathy Johnson; brothers, Ron and Paul; brother-in-law, Ronald Kuntz; sister-in-law, Cindy (Clem) Nelson; and a circle of extended family and friends who will forever treasure his memory.

George was preceded in death by his parents, George, Sr. and Doris Putnam; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mike and Florence Kuntz; sister, Lorreta (Jim) Bell; and several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

He will be remembered for his unwavering kindness, gentle spirit, and the love he shared with everyone blessed to know him.

Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND in the spring.

Visitation: Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Vigil Prayer Service: Friday at 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, February 18, 2026.