Ismarie Kuntz, 80, Mott, died Saturday, January 31, 2009 at St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck. Ismarie’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, south of Richardton with Abbot Brian Wangler, OSB as the celebrant. Interment will take place at St. Stephen’s Cemetery. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson. There will be a rosary and vigil at 7 p.m., Tuesday at Ladbury Funeral Service.
Ismarie Steiner was born January 10, 1929 on the family farm south of Richardton in Stark County. She was the daughter of George and Frances (Wandler) Steiner. Ismarie was raised south of Richardton where she attended country school.
Ismarie married Peter B. Kuntz on June 10, 1947 at St. Placidus Catholic Church. Together they farmed and raised their family on the farm and land where Peter had been raised. Ismarie had remained on the farm until the time of her death.
The kitchen was the heart of the home for Ismarie, and having family gathered in her kitchen made the setting perfect for her… cooking for those people made it even better. Her German heritage influenced her cooking, and many recipes from her youth became legendary favorites within the family. She was also a gifted baker, candy and jelly maker, and shared the fruits of her labor with family and friends alike. Over the years, Ismarie enjoyed sewing, and made countless garments for her children as they grew. Later, she found a way to use her love of sewing to wrap people in warmth, by sewing quilts for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Ismarie enjoyed a great round of pinochle, and spent many holiday hours in cut-throat games with her sons-in-law and grandsons. She also had a love of puzzles, especially jigsaw puzzles. One of her greatest pleasures was visiting with and caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ismarie enjoyed many years on a bowling league, was a member of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, Christian Mothers, American Legion Auxiliary, and Antelope Homemakers. For 20 years she enjoyed cooking and baking for the Abbey in Richardton.
Ismarie is survived by her six children, Bernard (Grace) Kuntz, Eau Claire, Wisc., Rosie (Lauren) Wilmes, Richardton, Sandi (Wayne) Wilmes, Aurora, Colo., Pam (Gary) Wilz, Killdeer, Teresa Kuntz, Dickinson, and Brenda (Robert) Rebel, Bismarck; 11 grandchildren, BJ (Rhonda) Kuntz, Jay (Candie) Kuntz, Eric (Sarah) Kuntz, Chris (Lance) Larsen, Ross (Sara) Wilmes, Wanda (Bryan) Schwab, Mike (Melissa) Wilmes, Sarah and Mariah Wilz, Danielle and Austin Rebel; 20 great-grandchildren, Jacob, Rose, Logan, Evelyn and Nolan Kuntz, Lindsey, Hunter and Kyle Kuntz, Arena Delorme, Ethan, Collin, Conner and Gracee Kuntz, Dane, Steena and Ean Larsen, Alli and Bree Wilmes, Brinn and Ayla Schwab; four sisters, Sr. Frances Steiner, Richardton, Sr. Perpetua Steiner, Richardton, Pat Staudinger, Billings, Mont., and Frances (Tony) Kathrein, New England; and one brother, Jake (Frances) Steiner, Glendive, Mont. She was preceded in death by her husband Peter on March 4, 2004; her parents; two brothers, Tony and Lee Steiner; and four sisters, Rose Harmon, Barbara Osaben, Helen Detweiler, and Eleanor Manly. In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to either the Sacred Heart Monastery or to St. Stephen’s Catholic Church.
