Richard John Kuntz
Richard John Kuntz was born September 15, 1930 to Roman and Rose Kuntz in Dickinson, North Dakota. He was eventually joined by 3 sisters and 2 brothers. He was proud to be part of the “Southside Gang”, a group of lifelong friends that came from the right side of the tracks. He graduated from Dickinson High School in 1948.
Just before going off to Korea in 1951 to proudly serve his country, Dad married his High School sweetheart and love of his life, our Mom, Peggy Lavon Burda. They were married for 72 years when Mom passed away in 2022. They lovingly brought 5 children into their world; Nancy, Thomas, Cynthia, Patricia, and Michael.
In 1955, with the help of several friends, Dad built our home on Cambridge Drive, while living in the crawlspace at night. The family lived there for 45+ years. Every Summer Mom and Dad would pack up the gang in the family station wagon and head to Dickinson, North Dakota to Visit Grandma and Grandpa Kuntz, Aunts and Uncles and cousins.
Dad utilized the G.I. Bill after coming home from Korea to pursue his dream of being an educator. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Dickinson State College. He furthered his education getting his Masters in Education Administration from University of Montana, and finally one of his proudest accomplishments was getting his doctorate from the University of Idaho.
Dad spent his entire career with the Boise School District where he made many life long friends. Dad’s first job in Boise was teaching 6th grade at Roosevelt Elementary School. He also taught at Campus, and was principal at Longfellow, Jackson, and Valley View. His final job was Director of Elementary Education. He retired in 1990.
Mom and Dad loved to travel with their favorite spot being Hawaii. Dad said it was because it was warm and snorkeling was right out the back door. For Over 40 years Mom and Dad got to enjoy the best of 2 worlds. Their home in McCall, Idaho, and later their winter home in Sun Lakes, Arizona, where to this day they leave behind truly wonderful friends. The entire family spent many vacations and weekends at both homes where wonderful and lasting memories were made.
Dad has always been the family’s “Rock” and both the children and grandchildren and even several of the great-grandchildren would go to him for advice and direction. He always said the right thing with love and patience in his voice, knowing at times it wasn’t what we wanted to hear but always knew he was right!
Whether it was his professional or personal life, God and Family were always at the center of it. This was a man who led by example with his immense kindness and wisdom right up until the day he passed away. I don’t think we will ever know the number of lives this man has touched, but we do know his legacy will go on through the lives of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and the countless other friends and family members.
Dad is preceded in death by his 2 brothers and 2 sisters and his wife Peggy. He is survived by his sister, Mary Ann Seiler and his 5 children; Nancy Elliott, Tom (Sharon) Kuntz, Cindy (Gordon) Obermeyer, Patti (Rob) Beavers, and Mike (Kelly Anne) Kuntz. Also 12 Grandchildren and 26 Great-Grandchildren, all who will miss him with all their hearts!
A special thank-you to all the caregivers at Morning Star Adult Living, as well as the kitchen and serving staff, administrators and workers who gave Dad so much love and special attention. And a hug to Frank and Larry, his lunch dates every day. Also a special Thank-you to Dr. Malla Keefe. The family cannot thank you all enough.
A Celebration of Dad’s life is being planned for October 3, 2024, at 11:00 am, at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 10100 N. Horseshoe Bend Rd. in Boise.
Donations can be made in Dad’s name to his favorite food banks: Idaho Food Bank, Vincent de Paul Food Pantry or St. Mark’s Food Bank.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.