Barbara Kuntz

Rugby

Barbara Kuntz, 96, Rugby, died at the Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby on March 23, 2026.

Barbara was born May 1, 1929 to Mike and Eva (Schwan) Volk on their farm in McHenry County, near Berwick. She was one of seven children, three boys and four girls. She was raised on the family farm and attended school in Berwick.

Barbara was united in marriage to Frank Kuntz on October 22, 1945 at St. Anselm Catholic Church in Fulda, ND. In 1947 they purchased the homestead from Frank’s parents at Blumenfeld, near Orrin, ND. They farmed and ranched there for the next 34 years. Frank and Barbara raised their 13 children on the farm until retiring to Rugby in 1981. In her retirement, Barbara worked as a housekeeper for various families and at the Vanity Salon. She worked at the Good Samaritan Hospital (Later known as the Heart of America Medical Center) as a bedmaker, and later earned her certified nurse assistant certification there. She was a member of the Confraternity of Christian Mothers and a member of Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby.

Barbara was a very hard worker and worked tirelessly doing many different farm chores including making hay and milking cows. During the long winter months, she taught herself to crochet and made many beautiful doilies and afghans for her children. For each of her grandchildren she made a beautiful afghan as a graduation gift, using their favorite colors. She also enjoyed embroidery, sewing, gardening, baking, cooking and especially playing cards. She was quite a high bidder and very competitive when playing pinochle and often won the games! She also liked to engage in lively political discussions and/or debates! She will best be remembered for her German-Russian Sunday soup, German potato salad, kuchen, sour cream twists, and chocolate chip cookies. The family also enjoyed her homemade bread with chokecherry jam and cream.

She loved spending time with her family and was a very creative person. She spent many hours babysitting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and always found unique and creative ways to entertain them. The children were always delighted to see Grandma and spend time with her.

Her greatest love was God and her Catholic Faith. Her spiritual life provided her with great comfort and inspiration. She prayed the rosary daily and made sure each of her children had a rosary. She often blessed her family with Holy Water when they would leave on a trip or venture out in stormy weather. Prayer was her strength!

Barbara is survived by eleven children: Betty Bachmeier, Rugby; Mike (Cindy), Washburn, ND; Barbara (Kip) Berentson, Fargo, ND; Frank (Linda), Stanton, ND; Larry (Gwen), Mandan, ND; Bill (Chris), Stanton, ND; Mona Kuntz (Mario Cano), Haines City, FL; Ken, Rugby; Darryl (Mary Jeanne), Lancaster, KS; Wayne (Hilda), Eckelson, ND; and Candy (Troy) Munyer, Rugby. Twenty-nine grandchildren, sixty-four great grandchildren and eighteen great-great grandchildren and one on the way! A brother, David (Diane) Volk, Garrison, ND, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Frank of 66 years, her parents and step-father, Nick Schiele, daughter, Sr. Carol Jean (SMP), infant son, Neil, Son-In-Law Peter Bachmeier, Daughter-In-Law Nita Kuntz, Grandson Myles Kuntz and Great-Grandson Asher Sell, two brothers, John and Peter Volk, three sisters Dorothy Adam, Theresa Adam, and Alice Kraft.

May God Bless the memory of Barbara Kuntz, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Hardworking hands have been laid to rest.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, March 30, 2026 at Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby. She will be buried at Little Flower Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the Niewoehner Funeral Home on Sunday, March 29th from 5-7 P.M. with a prayer service at 7 PM. Visitation will continue on Monday from 8 AM until 10:15. There is no reviewal at the church. www.niewoehnerfh.com

Published by The Minot Daily News, March 27, 2026.