Russell J. Kunze
Russell James Kunze passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck, surrounded by his family.
- Russell J. Kunze
Russell James Kunze passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck, surrounded by his family.
A prayer service is today at 7 p.m. at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E. Divide Avenue, Bismarck, and then again for the residents at Edgewood Vista, 3124 Colorado Lane, Bismarck, on Friday, Feb. 22, at 1:30 p.m. A celebration of Russell’s life will be held at Bowman Lutheran Church in May — date to be determined.
Russell was the third child born to William and Emma (Pfahl) Kunze on Oct. 3, 1933. He attended school in Havelock and then started his working career at a very young age working on farms, the railroad and then retired from Slope Electric after 44 years.
On Dec. 30, 1953, he married Lois E. Doe at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. They made their homes in the New England and Bowman areas. In 1971, Russell and Lois bought a family ice business while living in Bowman, relocating it to Dickinson and then selling it after 30-years in business.
Following his accident in May of 1972, Russell spent five months in rehab at the University of North Dakota learning how to walk and write all over again.
Russell was very active in his church, the Lions, Dollars for Scholars and helping others in need.
In May 2011, they sold their home in New England and moved to Edgewood Vista in Bismarck to further assist Russell with his needs. While living here he earned the nickname “Trouble” for racing down the hallways. Russell was a social butterfly helping anyone in need and making people feel special.
Russell will be dearly missed by his wife, Lois; his children, David (Cindy Engelhardt), Debra (Bert) Patterson, Susan (Redg) Finck, Pamela (Milo) Morris, Mark (Valerie Klein); six grandsons, Joshua (Stacy) Finck, Mathew and Thomas Morris, Luke, Caden and Jace Kunze; and two great-grandchildren, Gavin and Savanna Finck. In addition, he is survived by his brothers, William (Elva), Robert (Lois,) and John (Barbara); and many relatives and friends.
In Russell’s memory, we ask that you perform a random act of kindness. Russell requested that his body be donated to the UND School of Medicine.
We’d like to especially thank Pastor Donna Dohrmann, the doctors, aides, nurses and all those caregivers from Edgewood Vista who provided such special care for Russell.
Go to www.eastgatefuneral.com to share memories of Russell and sign the online guestbook.
Tags: obituaries
Comments posted on this page do not reflect opinions of Forum Communications Company. Forum Communications Company does not endorse and is not responsible for any statement, opinion, advice given or made. All replies are subject to approval and must follow Forum Communications Company guidelines concerning statements of libel, personal attacks or defamation of character. Replies in the "Talk About It" section that criticize a person by name may not be posted, unless that person is openly involved in a public issue. Comments written in all capital letters or bold print will not be considered for inclusion in the forum.
RSS Feeds