Markus M. Kuntz, 69, Dickinson, ND, died Thursday, January 11, 2007 surrounded by his family at his home following a short courageous battle with cancer. Mass of Christian Burial for Markus will be at 10 A.M., Monday, January 15, 2007 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. Dennis Schafer as the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson. There will be a St. Pius Verein rosary followed by a vigil at 7 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service. A Knights of Columbus rosary will be at 9:40 a.m., Monday at the church.

Markus was born November 10, 1937 in Dickinson, the son of John and Celestine (Olheiser) Kuntz. He was raised on the family farm near Schefield where he also attended St. Pius School. As a young man he helped on the family farm along with helping neighbors.

Markus married Beverly Binstock on September 25, 1962 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, New Hradec. They continued to live on the family farm where they farmed and raised their family. Markus loved farming and ranching and when he could he worked for Western Livestock and then Stockmen’s Livestock. He enjoyed auction sales and sitting at the sales barn. Helping a neighbor or friend in need was a part of his life. Markus truly cherished the time spent with his family.

He was a member of the St. Pius Verein, Eagle’s Club and KC Council #6308.

Markus is survived by his wife, Bev; their daughters, Lynn (Rick) Dolechek and Lucinda “Luci” (Russ) Koepplin all of Dickinson; five grandchildren, Matthew, Kayla and Mark Dolechek, Ryan and Jessica Koepplin; three brothers, Adam (Rose) Kuntz, Belfield, Leo (Mildred) Kuntz, Dickinson, and Peter Kuntz, Dickinson; three sisters, Eva Weiler, Dickinson, Shirley Guenthner, Mohall, and Rosie (Gene) Fitterer, New England; sisters-in-law, Magdalene and Betty Kuntz; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Henry and Fred, and an infant brother and sister. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to either the farm rescue organization or to Heartland Hospice.