Dr. Robert E. Kuntz
On April 15, 2015, Dr. Robert E. Kuntz (Bob) left this earth to go and ride the heavenly range with his red socks blazing. He is with His Lord God Almighty whom he worshiped lovingly. We know that there are loved ones to connect with that will be happy to see that grinning face and hear his sense of humor one more time. Dad just celebrated his 91st birthday on April 14, 2015. He was so happy to have made it over his 90th and wrote a poem to tell us all about it.
Our Dad/Grandpa was not a conventional man by any means. He always did things a little differently but he always got it done! He was a colorful man to say the least and entertained all who crossed his path! Whether it be with his goofy jokes or his outrageous attire you knew when Bob Kuntz walked in to a room. He worked hard and played hard and he would not have wanted it any other way!
He accomplished so much in his life. He followed in his father Ed’s footsteps and became an Optometrist here in Helena. Since that time both his son’s, Kyle and Kraig followed in his footsteps making it the third generation. Then came the 4th generation of Optometrists when his grandson Kolten became one. He was so proud to know the legacy of Kuntz Optometrists would carry on.
Kelly became his right hand man and took good care of Dad, whether it be boating with Kelly and Julie, going to dinner, to Carroll College football games and playoffs or getting his affairs in order. Kelly was always there for him. His two girls, Kathie and Kryss were the bookends in the family. Kathie being the oldest and Kryss being the baby were always surrounded by “the boys”. Dad never differentiated between his boys or girls, you learned it all from him. Whether it was cattle driving, skiing down the slopes, or driving the ski boat you were always on an adventure with Dad.
Bob is survived by his spouse, Phyllis (Norby) Kuntz; his children Kathie (Larry) Zanto, Kraig Kuntz, Kyle (Denise) Kuntz, Kryss Kuntz, grandchildren Colonial Jon (Jen) VanSteenvort, Jadin VanSteenvort, Josh (Kara) Kuntz, Justin (Christy) Kuntz, CS3 Kasey (Lauren) Kuntz, Kolten Kuntz, Kailey Lou Kuntz (his one and only granddaughter). Great grandchildren; Kiersten and Kade VanSteenvort, Stella and Scarlet VanSteenvort, Addie Lou Kuntz and little boy bundle on his way, Kaiden and Kaleb Kuntz. His beloved daughters-in-law, Julie Kuntz, Janna Kuntz and Kris Palmquist.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Krystyn Kuntz; the love of his life, Mary Lou Kuntz, his grandson Jason VanSteenvort, and son Kelly Kuntz.
In honor of the ol’ cowboy, please feel free to wear your red socks or your fluorescent shirt! Happy trails Dad/Grandpa, until our journey meets again.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22 at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing Street. Burial with Military Honors will follow the Mass at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A reception will follow the burial at Jorgenson’s Inn, 1714 11th Ave. Memorials in Bob’s name are suggested to the Carroll College Athletic Department, 1601 N. Benton Ave, Helena, MT 59625.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 22, 2015
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Mass
Wednesday April 22, 2015
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Burial
Wednesday April 22, 2015
Jorgenson's Inn
1714 11th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 22, 2015
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Mass
Wednesday April 22, 2015
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Burial
Wednesday April 22, 2015
Jorgenson's Inn
1714 11th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
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Tom Naegele says
Kuntz Family,
So Blessed to have your Dad in my life. He was helped me with vision issues at a very young age. Being a westside kid and friends with Kyle, you could not help but end up at the Kuntz Home and feel accepted. Thanks Doctor Bob for being one of the Gentlemen of Helena. God Bless.
Allen Stenhjem Family says
The Kuntz Crew,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all God Bless…………
Marlene Lauretta says
My thoughts and prayers go out to Kryss and the entire Kuntz family. Bob was such a larger than life man. When I was the Administrator for 10 years at the Cooney Home, Bob and his dancing group would come in and entertain the residents, bringing such joy. Many wonderful memories of Bob, Lou and Kelly at the ranch and the Canyon Ferry Cabin. RIP Bob.
Bawb Pickett says
A great man. RIP. God Bless
Cathy Kovich (Pullin) says
Dr. Kuntz prescribed my first pair of eye glasses when I was in 4th grade and he took care of my eyes for years afterwards. As a young girl I was intimidated by his size and stoic demeanor. As I matured I happened to joke with him on something and he cracked a smile. That was the beginning of a new experience in our relationship. He was extremely proud of his family. Bless his long journey here on earth and now in everlasting life. My prayers and thoughts go to the family in their time of loss.
Steve Lantz says
Bob was one of the most colorful people I have known. God Bless, I will miss him. I am sorry for your loss.
Division Surgeon Cell says
Reading about Dr. Robert E. Kuntz brings a smile to my face, what a wonderful man. During this time you will be in our thoughts, prayers and hugs to go out to all. With love from the Division Surgeon Cell (Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington)
Leisa Radley says
The Kuntz Family,
When I was a little girl I remember Bob & Lou being at my parent’s house Pen & Bette Radley on a regular basis. Bob tried to teach me how to jitterbug, never got the hang of it though. It was sure fun trying to learn. I also have fond memories of him being my eye doctor for many years until his retirement.
I know all the words in the world will not be enough to say how sorry I am for your loss. My deepest sympathy goes out to your family.
Art & Clara Gilreath says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Kuntz family. Bob was a great man and will be missed by many, especially the Tuesday night American Legion group.
God Bless
Mark Radley says
So sorry for the loss or better word of what Dr. Kuntz’s passing means to myself and my family.. He, his family and his life was so important to us growing up that it is a foundation to us..
He was my father’s best man and friend for life.. He included us in his life. He never had a bad word for us and was always welcoming.. I will miss him.
He was one of a kind..
Jim Adams says
Sorry to learn about Bob. I have nothing but fond memories of Kuntz/Adams time together. My best to all you Kuntz Kids. Have a beer for me in honor of Lue and Bob.
Jim Adams says
Sorry to learn about Bob. I have nothing but fond memories of Kuntz/Adams time together. My best to all you Kuntz Kids. Have a beer for me in honor of Lou and Bob.