CHRIST RAYMOND (SQUEAK) KUNTZ Obituary (1939

Christ Raymond Kuntz (Squeak), 82, passed away peacefully in Libby, Montana on Saturday, June 25, 2022, surrounded by family. Born on July 5, 1939, Ray passed a few weeks before his 83rd birthday. Ray is survived by his wife of nearly 25 years, Linda Kuntz. Prior to his marriage to Linda, he was married to Sharon Gossen from December 24, 1964 until her death in 1992. Born in Dickinson, North Dakota, Ray graduated from high school in Medora, North Dakota in 1957 before moving with his family to Circle, Montana where he worked on a local farm. Ray enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1959 as a Machinist's Mate and proudly served until his honorable discharge in 1963. Following his military service, Ray lived and worked in Alaska and Washington before utilizing the skills he acquired during his naval service at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hydro-electric dams in Chamberlin, South Dakota and Fort Peck, Montana, eventually retiring as the Mechanical Foreman at the Libby Dam. Following his retirement, Ray and Linda remained residents of Libby, often spending the winters in Yuma, Arizona. Ray remained active, working on his many beloved vehicles, spending time in his garage fixing things for family and friends, and working around the house. Ray and Linda also traveled extensively, both throughout the United States and internationally. Proud of his heritage, he and Linda made visits to Germany, to explore his German roots. They also traveled to Finland to see Linda's relatives, and took a ship through the Panama Canal. Ray was known for his strong connection to his family and his love of good conversation, whether with an old friend or someone he just met. Ray had a life-long passion for cars. He was an excellent polka dancer and waltzer, and also enjoyed skiing, camping, golf, and spending time boating and fishing on Lake Koocanusa. Ray was supportive of Linda while she played violin with the Glacier Symphony and other ensembles, and was a regular presence at her many rehearsals and concerts. In turn, Linda supported Ray's joy for Nascar racing. Ray's good spirit and sense of humor remained intact through many late in life medical challenges, right up to his passing. Dearly loved by his family and countless friends, Ray will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Monica Kuntz, brothers Len, Harvey and Perry Kuntz, brother-in-law Dale Dean and sister-in-law Paula Kuntz. Ray is survived by two children, son Wade and daughter D'Lon, Wade's wife Courtney, and their dog Teddy, D'Lon's husband Mike, and two grandsons, Quinton and Ezra; 2 stepchildren Kelli (John Harrison) Sather and Joel (Carmin) Sather, and four step-grandchildren, Kira (Lane) Luscher, Molli, Gavin and Riley; 3 sisters, Toots (Rudy) Haynie, Bonnie (Bill) Gardiner, and Sandy Dean, and sisters-in-law Kathy Kuntz and Patsy Kuntz. A memorial service celebrating Ray's life will be held sometime in early Fall. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family asks that a donation be made to America's VetDogs (vetdogs.org), or to a charity of donor's choice. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.