Denis Michael Kuntz (68) slipped quietly from this world into the everlasting with his Lord and Savior March 4, 2016. He was loved and cherished by so many.
Denis was born in Bismarck, North Dakota on April 11, 1947 to Michael and Martha Kuntz. From day one Denis left an impression on peoples’ lives. He started walking at 7 months old and never stopped going. He was the eldest of 7 children.
Denis wore many hats in his short lifetime; some of the biggest were being a father, a husband and a friend. He was strong, he was loyal, he was caring, he was compassionate and he had a smile that could light up a room.
Denis attended high school at Assumption Abbey for four years in Richardton, North Dakota, where he wrestled and played football. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Bismarck in 1965. Denis signed up for the army after high school and went through basic training in Washington, he was honorably discharged. He met and married his first wife Dena Roth and had two children Chris and Ronya.
He moved to Thorne Bay, Alaska on Prince of Wales Island in 1973 to work as a maintenance man for Louisiana Pacific. On a trip back home to North Dakota he met the love of his life Joni Fredrickson. They were married in Craig, Alaska on December 10, 1977. They made Alaska their home leaving a huge legacy behind. They had two girls Stacy and Cori.
Denis and Joni started Mitsy Enterprises on accident when the boat that delivered groceries to the camp broke down. They had a small sawmill and truck to haul lumber in. They were asked to take their truck and go to Ketchikan and get the camp’s supplies. Their company grew from there. In 1986 Denis and Joni and their two girls Stacy and Cori moved to Craig where they built a warehouse and hired more employees. One of his employees summed it up perfectly, “he was my boss, my workmate and my friend, a rare combination.” He worked hard over the 20 years Mitsy Enterprises was in business and went on to retire from Northland Services. He did more than deliver freight, he touched people’s lives and everyone that knew him would agree his smile was contagious and his heart was huge and had so much love for all.
Denis had a huge influence on the growth and commerce on Prince of Wales Island. Denis was the first mayor of Thorne Bay when it was incorporated as a city. He lobbied Washington D.C. for the timber industry, he helped write a bill so people could buy their land in Thorne Bay when it transitioned from a logging camp. He was a board member and board President for the South-East Island School District and, President, Prince of Wales Chamber of Commerce. He was Craig Middle Schools wrestling coach for many years. He was involved in so many things to help with the community of POW, he worked hard at Mitsy Enterprises but also believed that volunteering and community service were extremely important for POW and it’s people.
He loved POW, the people and most of all living in Alaska. He loved the outdoors and he loved to fish and hunt and would often be spotted in the summer hopping in his boat and heading out fishing at the end of a long day of driving truck. He usually had his rifle during deer season just in case he saw that jumbo buck. He was overjoyed to take anyone and everyone out fishing. He would be giddy with excitement watching you reel in a fish.
Denis loved to cook and was quite skilled at it, he loved to read and watch old westerns. He had a passion for the Green Bay Packers that could not be swayed even though part of his family tried to sway him to become a Seahawks fan. He got to see Green Bay play in Seattle recently with his Seahawk clad family-he loyally wore his Packers gear.
He loved his family. He loved spending time with them and he loved his grandkids. They held a huge place in his heart and they will miss him terribly. He was a very special Grandpa, so patient and kind, his eyes lit up when he spent time with them. They made him so happy.
Denis was very strong in his faith for God, he had recently been praying the rosary and left a book open facedown on the table with the title of How to Get to Heaven. We know he is up there; sad that he left us too soon, but he knows what he left behind is strong because of him.
Denis and Joni had recently moved from Alaska to Montana to be closer to their families and their aging parents. He went to sleep one night and woke up in Heaven. There are no words that can sum up the life of a man like Denis; he was a great man, an amazing husband, the perfect father, and a loyal friend and community member.
Denis is survived by his loving wife Joni Kuntz, Poplar, MT; his Mother Martha Kuntz, Bismarck, ND; Father in Law, James Fredrickson, Wolf Point, Mt., brothers, David Kuntz, Coeur d’Alene, ID, Michael Kuntz, Nevada, Ronald Kuntz, Bismarck, ND; sisters Colleen Martin, Crystal Springs, ND, Marcia Schneider, Boise, ID, Cheryl Schmidt, Bismarck, ND; son Christopher Kuntz, Thorne Bay, AK; daughters, Ronya Langel and son-in law Wayne Langel, Three Forks, MT, Stacy Flores, Port Angeles, WA, Cori Kuntz, Redmond, OR; grandchildren, Cora (John) Person Butte, MT, Rachel (Luke) Bodle, Townsend, MT, Jesse Langel, Three Forks, MT, Sophie Langel, Three Forks, MT, Tanner Flores, Port Angeles, WA, River Flores, Port Angeles, WA, Hunter Flores, Port Angeles, WA; great grandchildren Jace Bodle , a new baby expected in May and numerous nieces and nephews. Denis was preceded in death by his Father; Michael Kuntz, Step Mother, Bertha
Denis is gone but will never be forgotten. He lives on through his kids and grandkids, in the heart of his wife and all of the lives that he has touched in his 68 years. He was loved and cherished by so many and was so blessed to have had so much love in his life.
Mass will be held in Denis’ honor at St. Mary’s in Bismarck, Thursday, March 10 at 12:00pm.
Denis will be cremated; the family will bring Denis to Alaska where a memorial will be held at St. Johns Church in Klawock in July.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Denis’ name to Assumption Abbey, PO Box A. Richardton, North Dakota 58652.
Paul Schneider says
Dennis, I’ll never forget you, as brother to my best friend in youth, David. We had great times grouse hunting with your dad’s leading, west of Moffit.
We shared a miracle when four of us survived an accident, unhurt, crashing into a bridge over old Apple Creek, east of Bismarck. It was great knowing you Dennis. Hope to meet again in heaven someday!!!!l
Paul Schneider
Prs. Christine & Greg says
Joanie & Jim
We were so shocked and saddened to hear about Dennis’ death. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed!
We pray for you and your family and we join you in grieving Dennis’ death and in celebrating his life and his resurrection into new life with his Lord and Savior.
God’s peace
Prs. Greg & Christine
JR Wunderlich says
I was Denis and Joni number 1 hire for Mitsy ent. i worked long hours along side of Denis. We worked hard and i never saw Denis lose his temper. He always had that smile and the laugh was near by. The years at Mitsy were great in that it grew every year with the help of Denis’ strong personality leading the way in his negotiations. We sometimes worked 7 days a week and I always knew that if I was too tired he would cover me now matter how tired he was. Our boss/employee interaction was professional, a friend, some one I looked up to.Denis left a hole in my heart. I will always remember my friend, Denis
Jim & Betty Marker says
Our deepest Condolences Joni and to the entire Family… RIP Dennis
Cole says
I was saddened and surprised when I got the news. I send my condolences to the family and friends.
Coach Denis is one of the reasons I stuck with wrestling throughout high school. I remember him always encouraging me to continue and never give up even though I wrestled in difficult weight classes as a young middle schooler. Little did I know that the perseverance that he taught me on the mats would carry over to life.
Rest in peace coach
Millie SCHOONOVER says
Condolences to Dennis’s family. He left a legacy . Rest in peace dear friend
Millie SCHOONOVER
Kathleen Sayle says
I don’t remember the last time I saw Denis, but we were two of more than fifty first cousins. Since Mom and Aunt Martha have remained close I heard of him many times over the years. He will be missed by all of his family and friends..
Mike Cleary says
Denis was a dynamic man of faith and a grand person. He was unassuming, humble, and a man of his word. There are few people I have met that measure up to Denis as a man or a person. The Good Lord must have had a special slot open when he decided to invite Denis up for a long visit. I am beyond sad about his untimely passing, but know, he lived life to it’s fullest, leaving nothing on the table. Karen and I are praying daily for our good friend Joni and her family. Go Packers! Denis would love that!
Leah Music says
My deepest condolences to Joni and her family. My prayers are with you all.
Kathleen Sayle says
RIP Denis
Jim and Vicky Stukey says
An old friend who will be missed. Our thoughts are with you Joni and Family.
Mikey and Greg Rasuchendorfer says
Joni we were saddened to here about Denis our thoughts and prayers go out to Denis and you and the girls we were so looking forward to spending time getting to know your family we will get together when you all get back. God Bless
Tim MacDonald and Shirley Harris says
Thoughts and prayers to Joni and his family. He was one of gems in many lives in Craig and around the state. I didn’t know him well but I always saw a man who was pleased with here he was and what he was doing, which was often serving those of us in his world.
Kurt Cheney says
Thank-you Denis, for just being a friend, youll be remembered by me for your smile and all your help with my old case backhoe. You may be gone but you certainly will not be forgotten. RIP my friend
Glenda, Ralph & Heather Halvorsen says
So sorry for your loss Joni. Denis will be greatly missed yet we all have such great memories of him and his legacy, that he will always be with us. God Bless.
Christina says
Joni,
We send our heartfelt condolences. We are still praying for you and the children and grandchildren each day. We send our love to your family.
Greg and Sandy Mickelson says
Greg and Sandy and family send there prayers.Our hearts go out to you daughters and family’s.Joni we pray you find comfort you need with your love ones. Denis loved playing Santa he had such a heart for it and the kids loved him.He,LL be missed so .Blessing
Chuck and Jeanette Haydu family says
I remember meeting Denis probably in 1987 he was hauling freight out at Aubuchons mill at Big Salt I would load the his truck with the units of Lumber, liked him right off. Then as time went on he being a member of our church was a guy you always liked and respected there always to lend a hand with cooking or whatever, great cook. I would have to say he made the best Santa of all. He would come in at midnight mass and bring a gift to baby Jesus so reverently. I never got over being moved by that because that was really Denis to me, humble and respectful, loving to all. Always had a great smile out on the water fishing too. Will miss you and our prayers go out to all the family. Joni and Denis were the best to our family, thanks for all the times and memories. Love from the Haydu’s
Don & Joanne Kambeitz says
Dear Joni,
Sorry for your loss and all who had their hearts touched by Dennis. Dennis and you were great neighbors ! Dennis always waved and greeted me and our family and always asked me how we are?
We had some common history , being I have kin where he is from, Dennis even knowing some of them.
Joni, your husband made a good name with us and the community, may we all never forget him.
PS I think we are kinda related thru your dear Chewy(Kuntz’s dog) who passed some time back
We still laugh how old Chewy jumped our fence to get our dog. Chewy is the grandfather of our dog Spot (haha
Take Care Joni
Love the Kambeitz family