Raynold Matthew “Matt” Kunnary, Jr.
Rebecca (Heintz) and Raynold “Ray” Kunnary Sr. welcomed Raynold “Matt” Kunnary Jr. into this world on November 5, 1940, in Helena Montana. Matt resided in Helena much of his life and had numerous friends throughout the Helena Valley.
Matt attended elementary school in Helena and then the family moved to Minnesota to his father’s family farm. He shared many fond memories of his time in Minnesota and the farm. Ray became a dam builder and the family moved from the farm in Minnesota to several construction locations around the country.
Matt always loved the big family he was born into and loved the fact that he could tell people he had over 100 first cousins.
Matt’s junior and senior year of high school the family was in Lockport New York. Matt attended Newfane Central High School. There he met the prettiest Italian girl, and love of his life, Mary DiTullio. He graduated from high school in 1959 and returned to Montana with his mother and siblings after the tragic death of his father, Ray.
In 1959 he enlisted in the Navy and was stationed at the Great Lakes Training Center. As an Athletic Petty Officer, he played basketball and boxed in the Navy. He successfully completed an electrical apprenticeship in the Navy. A broken foot from his athletic exploits triggered an honorable, medical discharge and return to civilian life.
Matt’s first stop after the Navy, Lockport NY. He asked Mary for her hand, and they were married on August 19, 1961.
Their family began with Sheila in 1962. Matt promised his father-in-law he wouldn’t take Mary to Montana, and then they promptly moved to Montana. Lori (1964), Steve (1966), Dan (1968), and Ed (1971) were all born in Montana. Matt and Mary’s life was then filled with friends, kids, and adventures. There was always so many kids and people to get places, while returning from a wrestling trip in Matt’s converted bus, Matt forgot his own son Ed in Boulder. Ed was running up Boulder hill to catch the bus in a snowstorm. Luckily someone realized he was gone, and Ed was rescued.
Matt had several occupations in his life, Dairyman, Dam builder, Smelter man, Fireman, Fire Marshall, Electrician, and State Electrical Inspector but his favorite titles were always family man and friend. He was a hunter, fisherman, camper, and boater. His only request from guests, “Bring Ice.”
A sports-lover and self-proclaimed football strategist, Matt also loved his time coaching small-fry football. Capital Sports and Wong’s Bunch won many league titles with him as head coach. The team rode to games in Matt’s school bus many times! The kids he coached during those years, remained life-long friends into adulthood and always share memories of Matt as their coach.
Matt’s nieces and nephews were all very special to him and he touched their lives in many ways.
On the afternoon of March 10, 2023, Matt passed away in Great Falls Montana after a long battle with injuries sustained in a car accident in November of 2022. His daughters Sheila and Lori, Grandson Bryson, Grand Daughters Kyndra and Katy, Great Grand-Daughter Stevie, and a chaplain prayed with Matt as he passed over to eternity peacefully with his wife, Mary, at his side. He was 82 years old. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends
It would take pages, and books, to list all the people and friends he held so dear and who were so very important to him. Matt was a blessed man, and we were all the more blessed for having him in our lives.
Matt is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary. Daughters; Sheila Cozzie, Lori (Randy) Fernlund, Sons; Steve (DeVonne) Kunnary, Dan (Mickey) Kunnary, Ed (Raquel) Kunnary and honorary son Brooks (Lisa) Hammel. His siblings Edwina Lobb, Elaine Harris, Cliff (Cindi) Kunnary, and Dona (Al) Reynolds and stepsisters Julie (Butch) Krutzfeldt and Trudy (Harry) Angel. Grandchildren Bryson Cozzie, Kyndra Olsen, Tyler Fernlund, Tanner Fernlund, Zane Fernlund, Katy Frank, Molly Fernlund, Chase Fernlund, Nicole Kunnary, Halle Kunnary, Michal Kunnary, Mykella Kunnary, Dani Jo Kunnary, Matty Kunnary, Hayden Kunnary, Addie Kunnary, and Gentry Kunnary. Great-grandchildren, Everett, Saylor, and Reagan Olsen; Wren and Gracie Fernlund; Lilly, Addy, and Newt Fernlund, Brayden, Kayla, and Layne Fernlund, Stevie Frank, Sophia Paul, Khonner and Jazmyn Phillips, Mayzelynn and Jacelynn O’Reilly, and Oaklynn Kunnary, all of whom he loved so dearly.
Matt was proceeded in death by his father Raynold “Ray” Kunnary Sr., his mother, Rebecca Heintz-Kunnary-Beck, his stepfather Al Beck. His mother and father-in-law Stephen and Lena DiTullio. Brothers-in-law Paul Lobb and George Harris. Sister-in Law Elizabeth Kunnary.
In Lieu of flowers please make a donation in Matt’s name to the American Legion, Post 2 in Helena Montana.
There will be a viewing at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home in Helena on March 29th from 12:00 to 4:00 pm.
Memorial Services will be March 30th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke at 11:00 am with lunch immediately to follow.
Private interment will be at Fort Harrison in Helena.
Matt loved people and always loved a party so on March 31st there will be a celebration for Matt at the East Helena VFW starting at 4:00 pm. Food and drink will be served at the VFW. Please bring your stories and share with us, your memories of Matt.
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday March 29, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday March 30, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Luncheon
Following the service
Thursday March 30, 2023
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Celebration of His Life
4:00 p.m.
Friday March 31, 2023
VFW Post 10010
117 W Main St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday March 29, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday March 30, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Luncheon
Following the service
Thursday March 30, 2023
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Celebration of His Life
4:00 p.m.
Friday March 31, 2023
VFW Post 10010
117 W Main St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
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Annette Ronningen says
Mary and family..
I am so sorry to hear this. Please let me know if there’s anything I may help with. Matt will be missed.
Annette Ronningen
Nata Noland says
We are deeply saddened by the loss of our good friend, Matt Kunnary. We have many memories of fun times spent together as couples–bowling, skiing, camping, boating and Randy and Matt did so many thing together–City League Basketball, hunting, fishing. Matt was always the best planner and the one who got the old basketball group together.
We will surely miss so many things about Matt. He had the best memory for people and things we’d all done. Matt will be missed by us and all of our family as well his many other friends. The Nolands
Kathy & Tim Royston says
Dear Mary and family,
We were sorry to learn about Matt. You are all in our thoughts at this difficult time.
Tim & Kathy Royston
Jim and Sally says
Our hearts are so broken and sad with the loss of Matt. Jim has so many memories with Matt Mary and the family. He has been in there lives
for so long. He will be missed forever and always. RIP dear friend
John Cherie Dahl says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mary and the rest of the family. Matt was a friend of John’s for many years.
Jackie says
Mary, I’m so sorry to hear about Matt.Keep the memories.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and family.
Jackie Lloyd
Karen Willis says
Dear Mary and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I will always remember the fun times Matt planned for the Suds Hut Team (Gary’s fav) of men that included their wives. Golf, Holiday gatherings, oyster feeds and many more. Matt will always be held close in the hearts of his friends.
Love, Karen
Sallie Losey says
I am so sorry to hear about Matt. I loved going to CC football games —only to go to Kunnary’s tailgate and also meeting up with Matt & Mary for Friday afternoon beers. Matt was ALWAYS so kind! Go CC Saints!
Elaine Harris says
Matt was my beloved brother and friend. The “5 Kunnary Kids” were not only close in age to one another, but close in heart and spirit. What a Blessing to have had each other (all of us into our 80’s now but Dona) all these years. We shared many adventures together growing up and we looked forward to being able to be together for family reunions as we all raised our families . Matt was always willing and ready to help in any plan . He truly was a “Family Man” and he thought of everyone as “family… Guys like Matt are not very numerous. If you have been privileged to have known him, treasure the memories. Words do not describe the hole that will be felt in this family, but we rejoice in knowing he is in the arms of the Lord and no longer suffering.
.
Love you Brother
Elaine
vivyann gray says
Kevin and I will always how nice a person Matt was. To the family we are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Vina Watson says
Kunnary family: I was so sorry to hear that Matt had passed away. I have many fond memories of him. He always had the best smile and laugh. Matt was always accepting of everyone, and I loved that about him. Wishing you all peace in the days to come, as you morn the loss of the Kunnary patriarch. One of the good guys! I hope my dad greeted Matt with a cold one when he got to the Pearly Gates! With my deepest sympathy and love, Vina Hall-Watson
Clay Pipinich says
Steve and the Kunnary family I’m so sorry to here about the passing a great Dad, farther and friend. So sorry.
Larry Mismash says
Mary & family,
I have some fond memories of playing basketball with Matt when we were youngsters in high school. Matt always had a smile and enjoyed life. Later in life Matt and I connected to have some great visits. A wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with your family Mary. Larry
FREDRICK LAMPMAN says
Mary sorry to hear of mats passng a lot of great memories fred lampman
the hurnis says
Mary and family were so sorry for your loss our payers are with you.
Glenda Grover says
Mary and family. So heartbreaking to hear about Matt. Thoughts and prayers are with you
Don Pratt says
Mary and family. So sorry to hear of Matts passing. I am sorry I wont be able to attended the services. as I am still at Amy’s. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Marlene Lauretta says
We are so very sorry about Papa Matt’s passing, he was bigger than life and ALWAYS welcomed us into your lives. May the wonderful, loving, crazy, blessed memories bring you all much peace. RIP Papa Matt
Gino & Marlene
Sherryl says
Mary and family…Matt leaves a void in so many life’s! My prayers are with all of you.
Dean Retz says
Many fond memories of the Kunnary clan. Unfortunately, I have not seen Matt since the passing of Kelly Harris. Mary and family, and brother Cliff, My thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Diane Pedersen says
Mary and family, I was so sorry to hear that Matt passed away. He was a very kind man I remember good times when Jeff and I bowled with him many years ago may God bring you peace at this difficult time with deepest sympathy Diane Pedersen.
Dick McMahon says
Mary and all the Kunnary clan…
Deepest condolences to all of you. Matt was one of most genuine people many of us had the good fortune to know and I’m certainly a better person for having that opportunity. Can’t begin to thank him (and all of you) for a boatload of fond memories.
God Bless Matt and all of you.
Dick McMahon
Harry Obert says
Mary and family:
Sorry to hear of Matt’s passing
Have many memories of both of you at the Carroll Christmas Parties.
Harry Obert 9 says
Mary and family:
Sorry to hear of Matt’s passing
Have many memories of both of you at the Carroll Christmas Parties.
Gwynn Mundinger says
Mary and family,
May I extend deep sympathy at the untimely loss of your beloved husband. I enjoyed seeing him when he visited you in the faculty secretary office at Carroll College.
May you find peace with your family. God keep you.
Marty and Gretchen Heller says
Dear Mary and entire Kunnary Family.
We are so sorry to hear about Matts passing, What a great guy to have as a friend ! Matt had that unique
talent of making everyone in the room feel very welcome and feel that he was happy that you were there. Everyone has many special events that they can recall where they had the distinct pleasure of enjoying Matts company. For me the highlight was joining him on several city league ball teams and and coaching with him in the Small Fry Football program. Over the years we remarked to each other that the many hours we spent working with the kids teams were some of the best hours in our lives.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. With a deep sadness.
Marty and Gretchen Heller
Liz & Eric Johnson says
Mary, Sheila and family,
Very sorry to hear about Matt passing away. Whenever I saw Matt he always had a smile on his face. He will be missed. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy and Dan Schulte says
Dear Mary and Family,
Dan and I are very sad to hear of Matt’s accident and passing.
Dan got to see him when he was visiting Cliff who is our neighbor. The story about Ed in the snowstorm brought us both to tears as we were with them as our boys were wrestling inthe same event. We have told that story so many times. We had let the boys all go get treats and Ed didn’t even have his coat on. When we realized he wasn’t in the bus it was crowd panic. It all turned out fine after little Ed warmed up! We had so much fun with Matt and Mary and all our kids back then. Matt is one of those people that will never be forgotten. May he be with God.
Kathy and Dan Schulte
Russell Raschkow says
Dear Shiela, Mary, and extended family,
I do miss Matt’s smile and friendly conversation, as we used to travel together quite often, shuttling the Enterprise vehicles about the state. He had stories to tell about visiting Holland Lake and experiences/influences with mutual friends, the Coes. Matt was one of the few that would recline the seat and fall fast asleep with me at the wheel, and for that I saw that he got a sound, smooth ride with no drama, no rumble strips and arriving at our destination well rested. Nothing seemed to ruffle this guy, he was SO easy going, and kind to everyone he engaged. Matt was a solid influence on this cranky codger, looking forward to the visit once he got back home, hoping one day he might tie in with his Enterprise crew once again. Just being around this guy had a calming effect. ALL us’ drivers thought he’d be back. The crew ain’t the same without Matt, he was one of a kind, a straight up gentle man with the eternal smile and obvious abundance of love in his heart. You know he glowed. I’d seen a picture of Matt, sitting in the hulk as firefighters worked to extract him. I swear he had a smile on his face, but then, he was surrounded by his people…
Matt lives on and is in the loving arms of those who’ve been patiently waiting for him to join them in Paradise. My thoughts and prayers to you during these difficult times. God, and Matt are with you.
Russell Raschkow and “the crew”
Amy Marshall says
Mary, Sheila and Family,
Always enjoyed conversing with Matt & Mary at the Golf Course and various events around town. I always had a great laugh with all of you. Matt would always ask about someone in the family and had such a caring way about him. He will be greatly missed in this life, he had such a big soul.
My condolences to all of The Kunnary Family.
Amy Marshall
Conley Lacey MD says
I did not know Matt well as we met in later life but it became apparent to me that he was a very special person.
Beloved by his friends and family, kind and generous beyond measure. He will be sorely missed by those he touched.
God speed, RIP.
Con Lacey
Durk Pipinich says
Sorry for your loss.
Larry Sem says
Heartbreaking to learn of Matt’s passing. So sad that there will forever be that empty chair at the Legion. Our thoughts and prayers for Mary and the countless family members and friends during this difficult time.
Tom Rasmussen says
Dear Mary and family,
This is to extend my consolences on your loss. What a great guy Matt was! We became acquainted many years
ago playing City League basketball against each other and through different activities through the years. Then
in the past few years we each had our part-time job moving cars around the state for Enterprise. We had many great visits on NFL football, politics, etc. as we traveled around.
There is no way to avoid heavy hearts in such a loss but we can rejoice in knowing that Matt is now walking on streets paved with gold in heaven with the angels and his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.