Roy Joseph Kuntz, 85

On Tuesday, March 8, a precious soul was given wings to soar high and handsome, reuniting with ancestors gone before. No pain, no stress in his journey today, only his earthly family is feeling the absence of a man we were honored to know. The fullness of his company was a greater blessing to many than the hollowness we experience now. Remember all the gifts he shared and never let them go.

Roy Joseph Kuntz was born March 10, 1936, in Moiese to Christian A. Kuntz and Anna Gress Kuntz. He joined brothers Chris and Frank on the family homestead. Two years later, baby brother Joe would complete the circle of love.

Growing up during the Great Depression and later during World War II, life was never easy, and the family worked hard for all they had. One thing he determined early on was that he would never work hoeing sugar beets again. He kept that promise!

When he felt his education was sufficient, he struck out on his own to discover what lay over the mountain and out of the valley. After a short time in the U.S. Air Force, he married Melvina Orton and sought work in the Butte packing plant, sawmills and eventually the apple orchards of Riverside, Wash.

Upon the death of his first wife, he eventually made his way back to Montana with three young children in tow. Spending time on the railroad for several years, he wanted more room to expand his talents and opened a repair shop and wrecker service in St. Ignatius. This was his nugget, and his service to many in the community will long be remembered.

Eventually, he decided that transporting mobile homes would be a good thing, and he purchased a toter so he could expand. This seemed to be his true calling, something that he excelled at for well over 20 years.

He married Michelle Cote in 1989, and together they expanded the business to include another truck and a couple of lease drivers. Leasing authority with Morgan Drive Away and operating a terminal opened his scope of operations to all 50 states. Traveling through other states turned them into adventures. After he unhooked from the load, we toured the countryside in his 2-ton Kenworth Town Car, taking in everything possible on the return journey home. He loved his trucks and was very proud of the work he engaged in.

His work served generations of customers, and he considered everyone a best friend. Traveling with a fifth-wheel during the offseason brought more pleasure in the desert and the sun. He loved Death Valley and celebrated his 69th birthday there, coupled with the rare occurrence of catching the desert in full bloom. Well done, my man!

Roy was preceded in death by his father and mother, Christian A. Kuntz and Anna Gress Kuntz; first wife Melvina Orton Kuntz; brothers Franklin Kuntz and Joseph Kuntz; special uncle and aunt, Fred and Helen Kuntz; many other aunts, uncles and cousins too numerous to mention; and special friend Kenny Smith. His oldest brother, Chris Kuntz, followed him in passing on March 14, with Roy lifting him up and showing him the way.

He is survived by his wife, Michelle Kuntz, of the family home; daughter Laura of Ronan; sons Stanley R. Kuntz, Tim (Jean) Kuntz of Lolo and Linda Serrano of Ronan; April Martinez, Sacramento, and Heather Kuntz of Oregon; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and grandchildren.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. April 2 at Bread and Roses Event Center, 5529 US 93 South, Florence. Graveside service will follow for family and close friends at Victor Cemetery in Victor. Please bring your best Roy stories to share with guests as there are many that people would certainly enjoy. If you wish to make a donation in Roy’s honor, making one to Florence Fire Department would be appreciated for their fast response and efficient service.

Whitesitt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and will host comments and full obituary on their site.