Wilbert Kunz

Wilbert Orville Kunz, 94, New Salem, passed away peacefully in his sleep early Sunday morning, January 15, 2023, at Elm Crest Assisted Living.

A funeral service will be held at 11 AM CT on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church, New Salem, with Pastor Zelwyn Heide officiating.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be held in the spring at Graceland Cemetery, New Salem.  Lunch will be served in the church basement after the funeral service. 

Wilbert was born December 12, 1928, to George and Gertrude (Hoesel) Kunz on the family farm. He graduated from New Salem High School in 1946 and took over the family farm.  He married Delores Bauer on October 12, 1956. Together they farmed for 62 years on the family farm, where they raised their three daughters. In 2018, they retired and moved to a house in New Salem where they lived for just over a year before moving into Assisted Living in New Salem. He served in many capacities at church and enjoyed playing cards and visiting with friends and relatives and even strangers.

He is survived by his wife, Delores; daughters, Danita (Dean) Rummel, Dickinson, LaDonna (Doug) Kuske, New England, and Sharon (Rock) Zastoupil, Bismarck; seven grandchildren, Christopher (Erin Balerud) Rummel, Seth Rummel, Kyle (Ashley) Rummel, Allie (Garret) Roemmich, Hailee Kuske, Michael (Calli) Zastoupil, and Bryan (Ariel) Zastoupil; brother-in-law, Erhart Bauer; sisters-in-law, Shirley Bauer and Laura Bauer Opp; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father-in-law, Henry and Anna Bauer; his sister and brother-in-law, Marion and Carl Hoger Jr.; and in-laws, Ervin and Agnes Bauer, Harold Bauer, Victor and Lee Bauer, Calvin and Audrey Bauer, Donald Bauer, and Verna Dockter.

Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church of New Salem or the Minot Boys & Girls Ranch.