Jacob P. Kuntz Jr.

Jacob P. Kuntz, Jr., 93, died Oct. 22, 2011 at Eventide Hi-Acres Manor, where he had resided since August.

Jake was born near Solen, ND on December 30, 1917 to Jacob, Sr. and Rose (Schwartz) Kuntz. He was married to Emma (Seidl) on Jan. 28, 1941 in Solen.

Jake worked for more than 42 years for the North Pacific and Burlington-Northern railroad, retiring in 1979. He served with the 19th Combat Engineers in World War II in seven campaigns in North Africa, Sicily and Italy, including Kasserine Pass in North Africa, and the crossing of the Rapido River in Italy. He was awarded the Legion of Merit medal for his actions.

Jake was a member of St. James Basilica, a 74-year member of the Brotherhood of Railway Workers, and a life member of the National Rifle Association. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, having hunting in several western states, provinces and territories of western Canada and Alaska. He fished in Canada every year for almost 50 years. Jake was an avid gardener until the year before his death. He also was a carpenter, plumber, roofer and all around handyman.

He is survived by two sons, Bernie (Laurie) Bozeman, MT, Jim (Shelley), Great Falls, MT, a granddaughter, Katrina, Killeen, TX, and two great-grandchildren; brothers Alphonse, New Salem, and Joe, Bismarck, Bill and August, Mandan, sisters Annie, Mandan, Irene, Bismarck, and Caroline, Vancouver, WA.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Emma, on Oct. 10, 1995; one grandson, Ben, one sister, Bertha, and two brothers, Paul and Vincent.

At Jake's request, there will be no services.

Burial will be at the North Dakota Veterans' Cemetery at Fort Lincoln.