Josephine M. Kuntz

Saturday, February 23, 1918
Date of Death:
Monday, March 5, 2012
Age:
94 years old
Josephine M. Kuntz
The funeral Mass for Josephine M. “Jo” Kuntz will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 17, 2012, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, with the Rev. Robert Meyer and the Rev. Mark McNea officiating. Burial will be in St. Bridget’s Cemetery in Simpson.
Mrs. Kuntz, 94, a life-long Rochester area resident, died Monday, March 5, 2012, in Las Vegas, Nev., after suffering from a short illness.
She was born Josephine Mary Butlin on Feb. 23, 1918, at Fugles Mill near Simpson, to Elton J. and Kathleen (Chase) Butlin. On April 15, 1939, she married Edgar J. “Ed” Kuntz at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Mr. Kuntz was an electrical contractor. He passed away May 28, 1997.
In addition to being a homemaker, Mrs. Kuntz was a cosmetologist and operated a beauty shop in her home until she retired in 1986. She was an avid Minnesota Twins, NASCAR and rodeo fan and enjoyed antiques, crocheting and ceramics. She wrote and published a book about her life. Jo was a long-time member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and its St. Gertrude Rosary Society and also belonged to Roc 8 Square Dance Club and Serra Club of Rochester.
She is survived by three daughters and three sons, Kay Diane (Bob) Drewlo, JoAnn Kuntz and Teri Marie Narveson, all of North Las Vegas, Nev., Edgar “Chuck” (Alice) Kuntz of Tampa, Fla., John J. (Karen) Kuntz and Michael A. (Sheri) Kuntz, both of Rochester; 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren survive. Also surviving are two brothers, J. Ross (Regina) Butlin of Oceanside, Calif., and Elton L. (Ann) Butlin of Rochester.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters and four brothers, a son-in-law, Gary Narveson and a grandson, Justin Kuntz.
Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, March 16, at River Park Chapel of Macken Funeral Home. A Rosary will be recited at 3:45 p.m. Friday for friends and family. There will be no visitation at the church on Saturday. Lunch will follow immediately after the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to St. Francis of Assisi Endowment Fund or Brighter Tomorrows, Inc., P.O. Box 126, Rochester, MN. 55903 (www.brightertomorrowshope.org) in memory of Justin Kuntz.
Condolences
The family of Josephine M. Kuntz has received the following condolences.
To Aunt Jo's children, My Mom and sister were planning on attending the funeral on Saturday but I just got a call from my Mom that she a cold she had last week has turned into a slight case of pneumonia and while she has started a round of antibotics she just doesn't feel that she will be able to attend the funeral. We are so sorry that noone from our family will be able to attend in person but know that our thoughts and prayers are with everyone. Mom has some Mass cards to send out to you and is signing Aunt Jo up for the Perpetual Prayer chain similiar to what your family did for our Dad when he dies. Much Love to all, Michele
Kay, Chuck, Teri, JoAnn, John, and Michael,
Aren't you glad I didn't use nicknames! Just wanted you all to know I will be thinking of you on Sat. Aunt Jo helped me get through when my dad died, so if there is anything you need please just let me know. She failed to tell me who was suppose to help me get through when she died. I miss my late night calls to her. One thing I wanted you all to know is how much she really loved all of you and how proud she was of all of you. She told me she just got lucky and we all know that's not true. Truth is you got lucky and had her for a mom, and I got lucky and had her for an Aunt. She was so full of life I can't imagine a world with her not in it. We were always talking about our sense of humor, and I know she's watching over me because Tori, Melisa and I got to hear our own obituaries last Sunday in church when they announced her death in the service (they left out aunt of) of course after the initial shock we all got the giggles. hard to laugh and cry at the same time. I love you all, but I love Aunt Jo Best! Penny
Our deepest sympathy to the Kuntz family.
We were saddened to hear about Josephine.
We'll keep all of you in our thoughts & in our prayers.
Ray & Linda Jack
To Jo's family,
My sincere sympathy to your whole family. Now our mom's can enjoy one another's company for eternity!
So, sorry to hear about your loss but, now the three sisters are together again in heaven. My mother , Mary is jumping with joy. My prayers are with you. Love always. Nancy Jack Kruger.
To the Family of Jo Kuntz,
Heaven opened its gates to a beautiful soul this week. The angels were all cheering as she entered! I just know it! Josephine was born right here at our home….what an honor for us! I cherish the memories I made with Jo over the past few years at Mass at Resurrection, with her breakfast club buddies, and with her work on her life story book. She gave us a copy for our 25th wedding anniversary this past summer. What a treasure for us. She always called me her cousin when she introduced me to anyone! I loved this beautiful lady so much! She was my friend and I will miss her dearly. I was amazed to see that she died on my birthday. I knew we had a connection of the heart. My life has been so blessed by knowing her. I am so sorry that your family has had to endure the loss of two such special people, but I am certain Jo entered Heaven’s gates smiling and calling Justin’s name! May God bless you all with the peace that only He can give.
Sincerely,
Kathy Chase & family
Mike, Sheri and the Kuntz family,
I am so sorry about your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please accept my deepest sympathy. May God be with you and comfort you.
Le Ann
John & Karen,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God's strenght and blessings in the days ahead.
Warren & Gloria Olson
Just a note to let everyone know we are thinking of you at this difficult time. Special thoughts and prayers are being sent out to everyone. Much love your cousin, Michele Kuntz Jennrich
John and Karen--
I am so sorry about the loss of your mom. You are in my thoughts.
Dear John, Karen and family
We are so sad to hear about the loss of your nephew, Justin, and mother, Josephine. They both sound like wonderful people, John, and I want to thank you for talking about their spirit and zest for life. It is great to hear about how much joy you had with them and those memories are comforting as we mourn losing those we love. Please know that your many friends in MEA have you and your family in their hearts and prayers at this time.
Sincerely,
Judi