Obituary: Faith Kunz

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In memory of

Faith Kunz

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Thursday, July 11, 2013 at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls at the age of 73

Arla Faith Johnson was born on August 9, 1939 in Wasta, SD to A.E. “Doll” and Fern (Crosmer) Johnson. She grew up in the heart of the Badlands in Interior and graduated valedictorian from Interior High School in 1957. As a young woman, she moved to Omaha, Nebraska to attend Airline Hostess Training. In the fall of 1958, she attended Northern State University in Aberdeen, where she met her future husband Ted K. Kunz.
Ted and Faith were united in marriage on June 5, 1960 in Pierre, SD. They made their first home in Britton where she worked as a school secretary. A year later, she stayed home to raise her children until moving to Philip in the summer of 1987. Referring to Philip as “God’s Country”, Faith loved living there and she considered it a blessing and privilege to spend time with her mom. Faith loved caring for children, so she decided to open a daycare in their home for a number of years. Ted and Faith continued to make their home in Philip, until moving to Sioux Falls in July 2011.
Over the years, Faith was an active member of the United Church where she served on various committees. She was dedicated and continued to show her love of working with children by teaching Sunday school and by volunteering with the summer vacation bible programs. She was at her best, and her happiest, helping others; she loved every second that she was able to spend with her family, her mom or her grandchildren. She was a faithful servant of God and enjoyed reading her daily Bible.
Faith was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Ted on September 2, 2011. Grateful for sharing her life are her children, Rob Kunz and his wife Nancy of Sioux Falls, Connie Schmiesing and her husband DeWayne of Sioux Falls, Linda Fisher and her husband, Travis of Polson, Montana; Randy Kunz and his wife Nichole of Berthold, North Dakota, and Andrew Kunz and his wife Lisa of Sioux Falls; eleven grandchildren, Alex and Lauren Kunz, James Schmiesing, Mollie and Samuel Fisher, Taylor, Lanie, Jackson, and Connor Kunz, Joseph and Claire Kunz; two brothers, Daryl Johnson and his wife Petey of Stanwood, Washington, and Harry Johnson and his wife Florence of Watertown; one sister, Deanna Hilton and her husband Billy of Rapid City; Caleb Clements of Chamberlain; and a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to her husband Ted, Faith was preceded in death by infant daughter Julie Marie Kunz; her parents, Doll and Fern Johnson; infant brother Arell Johnson; her parents-in-law Andrew and Lizzie Kunz; two brothers-in-law, John Kunz and Alvin Kunz; and one sister-in-law Adelaide Kunz.
Faith’s family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Edgewood Vista Memory Care Assisted Living and to the Sanford Hospital & Hospice for the kind and loving care they provided.
Visitation was held one hour preceding the services at the church.
Funeral services were held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, at the United Church in Philip, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.
Interment was at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
A memorial is established.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Tuesday, July 16, 2013 - 2:00 p.m.
United Church
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney
MUSIC
Sally Jankord - Pianist
Alex Kunz- Vocalist
“Amazing Grace”
“A Mother’s Love”
Congregational Hymns
“What A Friend We Have In Jesus”
“On Eagles Wings”
USHERS
Norm Payne - Milo Zeeb
PALLBEARERS
Rob Kunz - Randy Kunz - Andrew Kunz
DeWayne Schmiesing - Travis Fisher - Alex Kunz
James Schmiesing - Caleb Clements
JUNIOR PALLBEARERS
Lauren, Taylor, Lanie, Mollie, Samuel,
Jackson, Connor, Joseph, and Claire
INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Open the Memorial Folder

Visitation: one hour preceding the services at the church.
Funeral services: 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, at the United Church in Philip, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.
Interment: Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

Sign the guestbook

Dear Connie,Rob,Linda,Andrew & Randy, I was sadden to hear of Faith this morning. May God hold you in the palm of His hands as you walk in this deep valley. Lots of memories of Ted and Faith. I loved her as she was my own sister and more. We had a friendship through Christ and always praying for each others families. Her family was her life. Today I weep for the loss of my dear friend but knowing she is in heaven with Ted and her little Julie brings great comfort. I'll always pray and love you as my own family. God Bless Love and Prayers Debbie ~ Marty & Debbie Hansen Philip (7/11/2013)
So sorry to hear of Faith's passing. She was a good friend and we had a lot of fun time together!!! May God wrap His loving arms around each of you now and the days ahead. She was so proud of all of you and loved you so much. In Sympathy, Vicki ~ Vicki Niederworder Philip (7/11/2013)
Kunz family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Your mom was a beautiful lady and will be greatly missed. She is in a much better place and will be with all of you in your hearts and memories.
~ Mark & Karen Nelson Philip (7/11/2013)
Dear family, I am sorry to hear of Faith's passing, she was a great lady and a good friend,will miss her alot. She is pain free now and in God's care.My sympathy to you all. Donna Newman ~ Donna Newman Philip (7/11/2013)
My deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved Faith. She was a very nice lady and will be dearly missed. Bless your entire family at this difficult time. ~ Kelly Penticoff Philip, SD (7/11/2013)
Shedding tears for my cousins and their families today. Wish I could be with you all. Hugs and Memories. ~ Dawn Morton Fargo, ND (7/11/2013)
We will miss our Dear Faith,Thankful, she is no longer in pain,and happy she is now with other loved ones walking the streets of GOLD!Love you Faith! ~ Gene and Arlene Morton Britton,SD (7/11/2013)
Sending many prayers to you all. May God comfort you in your time of sorrow. Many fond memories of Faith and Mr. Kunz.
~ Barb Bowen Philip (7/11/2013)
Faith and Ted were always a pleasure to visit with--and they always delivered the Rapid City paper to me when they were finished with it! Had many great visits with Faith. I pray for God's blessing upon you all as you endure this loss. ~ Mark Ford St. Cloud, MN (7/11/2013)
Our prayers are with you. May God help comfort you in the days to come. ~ Cindy and Rowdy Schuler Philip (7/11/2013)
Prayers for the family as they go thru the loss of such a wonderful woman. Heaven has gained a special angel. She was like a second mom and a very good friend. Thanks for sharing your mother with me. She loved all her family and was so proud them. Will love and miss her until we are together again. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you. God's Blessings! Love, Debbie Clements ~ Debbie Clements Philip (7/11/2013)
Our sincere blessings for comfort & peace in the hours and days to come.

Love, Mike & Shar ~ Mike & Shar Moses Philip (7/11/2013)
Thinking of all of you as you deal with the loss of such a phenomenal woman! I have many fond memories of times spent at the Kunz house while growing up, and many discussions with Faith as well! God Bless all of you in the coming days and weeks! ~ Kristin Winder Turman 105 N State Street, Aberdeen SD 57401 (7/11/2013)
We are thinking of you all, praying for strength as you join together to get through this challenging time. Aunt Faith will be missed. Love and hugs to you! ~ Bonnie & Brad Johnson Fishersville, VA (7/11/2013)
Our love and prayers are with you all. Dan and Cindi ~ Dan and Cindi Schmidt Dell Rapids, SD (7/11/2013)
Thinking of you all in the loss of your loved one. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless The Burland Family ~ Laura Burland Polson MT (7/11/2013)
Faith was a beautiful woman with a loving personality. Her gentle spirit was a rare treasure everyone will miss. God bless you all. ~ Andrea Cook Cottonwood, S. D. (7/11/2013)