Ted K. Kunz was born May 31, 1935, on the family farm near Strasburg, North Dakota, the son of Andrew and Lizzie (Klingman) Kunz. He grew up on the family farm and received his education at Pollock, graduating from Pollock High School in 1952. After graduation, he attended Northern State College in Aberdeen for two years and received his teaching certificate. He returned to Pollock and taught elementary school for one year. In 1955, Ted entered the US Army, serving two years in Korea. He was honorably discharged on May 1, 1957, and returned to South Dakota where he finished college in Aberdeen, graduating in 1960.
Ted was united in marriage to Arla Faith Johnson on June 5, 1960, in Pierre, South Dakota. They made their home in Britton, South Dakota, where he taught school for two years. In 1962, they moved to Webster, where he taught, until 1965, when they moved to Rapid City. Ted spent several days and nights from 1960 to 1965 working for his Masters Degree, which he received in 1965. In 1967, they returned to Britton where he served as School Administrator for 20 years. In 1987, they moved to Philip where he was school superintendent until retiring in July 2001. After his retirement, they continued to reside in Philip, until July 2011, when they moved to Sioux Falls.
Ted was a member of the United Church of Philip, and served on various boards. He belonged to many school education organizations as well as the Philip Lions Club for many years. He was a very active member of the community.
Grateful for sharing his life are his wife of 51 years, Arla Faith Kunz of Sioux Falls; three sons Rob Kunz and his wife Nancy of Sioux Falls, Randy Kunz and his wife Nichole of Berthold, North Dakota, and Andrew Kunz and his wife Lisa of Sioux Falls; two daughters Connie Schmiesing and her husband DeWayne of Sioux Falls, and Linda Fisher and her husband Travis of Polson, Montana; eleven grandchildren James, Alex, Lauren, Taylor, Lanie, Mollie, Samuel, Jackson, Connor, Joseph, and Claire; one brother Fred Kunz of Pollock; one sister Arlene Morton and her husband Gene of Britton; a sister-in-law Dorothy Kunz of Bellevue, Washington; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Ted was preceded in death by a daughter Julie Kunz; his parents Andrew and Lizzie Kunz; a sister Adelaide Kunz; and two brothers Alvin and John Kunz; and his parents-in-law AE "Doll" and Fern Johnson.
Visitation was held two hours preceding the services at the legion hall on Tuesday.
Funeral services were held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 6, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.
Interment with military honors was at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
A memorial has been established.
Memorials may be sent to Faith Kunz, 1500 W. 38th St., Sioux Falls, SD 57105
FUNERAL SERVICES
Tuesday, September 6, 2011 - 2:00 p.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney
MUSIC
Sally Jankord - Pianist
Roger Porch - Vocalist
“How Great Thou Art”
“The Lord’s Prayer”
“Beyond The Sunset”
Congregational Hymns
“Shall We Gather At The River”
“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
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All former school associates -
Principals, teachers, employees, students
and school board members
INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota
Guest Book
So saddened to hear of Ted's passing. He fought a gallient battle and did it with grace and dignity. May God's love help you to walk this journey, His strength wrap around you and His peace be with you now and in the days ahead. God Bless all of you our deepest sympathy.
~ Larry and Vicki Neiderworder
Philip SD (9/2/2011)
So saddened to her of Ted's death. I always enjoyed Ted so witty with his remarks . He was the best boss anyone could ever ask for !! He fought a losing battle with this cancer but did it with dignity !! He told me that he had lived a great life !! We will keep your family in our thoughts & prayers .
~ Susan & Jack Heinz
Philip (9/2/2011)
Rob, Nancy, Alex and Lauren; Look to the Lord and his Strength. 1 Chronicles 16:11 It is always difficult to say goodbye to a loved one but we were not put on this earth to live forever. It is in trusting the Lord that we have eternal life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the death of your dad, father-in-law and grandfather.
~ Jim and Charee Housiaux
Brookings, SD (9/2/2011)
Faith and Family, so sad to hear of Ted's passing. He is in a better place now. Keep your faith in God. He was a very good friend of our family, so kind and loving always there to help. With deepest sympathy.
~ Donna Newman
PO Box 429, Philip, SD 57567 (9/2/2011)
Ted was a mentor, teacher and a very good friend of mine. His contribution to education was remarkable. I will miss him dearly.
~ Gale Patterson
26 Stone Dr Wall SD 57790 (9/2/2011)
So sorry to hear about Ted's passing. I loved our "fights", they would make my day. There will never be another customer like Ted. He will be greatly missed.
~ LeeAnn Dekker
Philip, SD (9/2/2011)
Randy,
So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. He is in a much better place. Treasure the memories that you have. Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
Sandy, Joe, Kirby & Haley
~ Sandy Sprenger
Orient, SD (9/2/2011)
Dear Faith and Family: You will be in our thoughts and prayers. May God provide you with loving comfort and grace. Love, Mike and Shar
~ Mike and Shar Moses
Philip (9/2/2011)
Very sorry to hear of Ted's passing. We always bantered back and forth at the post office about the Yankees (his fav) and the Red Sox (my fav)! It was always a highlight to have that little chat. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless you.
~ Kelly Penticoff
Philip (9/2/2011)
Faith and Family: Carol and I are deeply saddened when we think of Ted's passing. He was a good, decent, and honest man who loved his family and accomplished many good things in his career in education. He was a true Yankee fan (like me)and a good friend. Our prayers are with you all. God Bless You All.
~ Matt Schofield
Philip, SD (9/2/2011)
Mr. Kunz's family: It is sad to hear of the passing on of Mr. Kunz. Mr. Kunz truly understood the big picture when it came to running a school. I'll never forget him saying to me: "It's the difficult students that you really earn your paycheck". May God comfort all of you in your loss.
~ Betty Berry
Midland,SD (9/2/2011)
Faith and All~ Of course, he will always be "Mr. Kunz" to me! He gave me my first job in Haakon county-slid two contracts across his desk for each of two rural schools. "Don't let me influence your decision, but this one is way up on the highway, and I figure your husband's gonna pull you outa that ditch about twice in a school year before he loses it. I'd take the other one." Gave me 8 of the best years of teaching experience you could ask for in a rural school. I am sorry for your loss, it is so hard. I know quality of life and being in control meant a lot to Mr. Kunz...so for that, he is in a better place. For you, I hope strength and courage find their way to you and that many happy memories bloom in your hearts. I will miss him and always think of him fondly. Prayers to you Faith, and yours.
~ Vonda Hamill
Milesville (9/2/2011)
FAITH SO SORRY FOR YOU LOSE HE FOUGHT A HARD FIGHT HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL WHO NEW HIM
~ LORETTA WHITE
WALL SO DAK (9/2/2011)
May the love of family and friends help comfort you now and in the coming months.
~ Dave & Karen Webb
Rapid City SD (9/2/2011)
Randy, Faith and Family,
I am sorry to hear of your dad's and husband's passing. Ted was a very good school administrator that has left a legacy that will live on in Philip. He was also a very caring and friendly person. He will be missed by many. Our prayers are with you.
~ Shane and Carol Matt
Rapid City (9/2/2011)
Randy and family,
I am so sorry to read about Ted. He was such a nice man to work for when I was working as the school secretary. I always respected him so much. You and your family are in my prayers.
~ Vicki Kenner
Mexico, NY (9/2/2011)
Faith and family...May the Lord keep you close and comfort you at this time. Ted will safe in His love.
~ Irene Daschel
Summerset, South Dakota (9/2/2011)
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all its not an easy path but always try to remember he is in a better place and will be watching over each of you as your guardian angel. Prayers will continue for you all.
Cindy and Rowdy Schuler
~ Cindy Schuler
Philip,SD (9/2/2011)
Faith and family,
I was sorry to hear of Ted's death. I only recently learned he was fighting cancer. Ted, by the time I knew him, was a gentle spirit and a pleasure to talk with. Prayers for strength and peace through this time.
~ Mark Ford
St. Cloud, MN (9/2/2011)
Dear Faith and Family,
There is little one can say or do to bring you comfort during this sad time, but we pray that our Lord will watch over you; and your loving memories of Ted will sustain you. We extend our deepest sympathies to you all.
~ Gene & Doris Daniel
P.O. Box 36 Philip, SD 57567 (9/2/2011)
Rob,
Deb & I were very sorry to hear about your father's passing. You and your family are in our thought and prayers during this difficult time. Even though words are difficult to come by during these trying times, I truly believe Ted's pain and suffering is over and he is in a much better place today.
~ Alan Buresh
Sioux Falls, SD (9/2/2011)
I'm so sorry to hear of Ted's passing. Mr. Kunz, as I will always remember him, gave me my first teaching job here in Philip. He was someone I felt comfortable going to for help and guidance, and I appreciated his strong support when I had needs in the classroom, and especially my years spent teaching in country school. When I needed encouragement, he would talk fondly about his years as a young teacher just starting out. It was nice to see him and Faith around Philip at the Steakhouse after he retired and we always visted about how things were up at school. His smile will be missed, and my prayers are with his family.
~ Marie Slovek
Philip (9/2/2011)
DeWayne and Connie,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. Treasure the memories and all the good times together. Remember he is at peace and no more suffering!! Our sympathy to you and your family.
~ Chuck and Joyce (Geraets) Selland
Chamberlain, SD (9/2/2011)
I went to Northern State with Ted, and I also graduated in 1960. Ted was a nice guy. I was making sales calls in Britton years ago and stopped in to say "hi". I'm glad he was in my life, even though it was a short time. My condolences to the family.
~ Lewis Wingert
4900 S Oxbow Ave # 302/ Sioux Falls, SD (9/2/2011)
What an incredible man with a huge personality and sense of humor. He loved sharing about his family and all of the good memories. I will miss seeing all of you out on the balcony at Good Sams. God Bless You All. You are lucky to have had such a wonderful father, grandfather, brother and husband. He truly loved you.
~ Julie Bruflat
3708 Bertina Circle, Sioux Falls, SD (9/2/2011)
To Ted's family: We were very sorry to hear of Ted's passing away. We knew he had been very ill through talking to Ted's brother-in law, Gene. We had stopped by Philip a couple years ago, and dropped in to see them. We had a nice visit. It was good to see them. We know he is now free from pain and glad for that, but know he will be very much missed. We always felt he was a great administrator the years he spent in Britton.May God's comfort be with you. Maurice and Dorthy Jones.
~ Maurice and Dorthy Jones
103 9th Ave. Britton,SD (9/2/2011)
Ted was my high school superintendant in Britton. I remember him being firm but always fair. Something we could use more of these days. God bless and prayers are with his family.
~ GORDON MEEKER
2404 S CROWN HILL CIRCLE SIOUX FALLS SD 57106 (9/2/2011)
To the Kunz family:
I am so sorry to hear about Ted's passing. I attended Britton High School and was a friend of Linda and Randy. I am very sorry for your loss. Your family and Ted are in our thoughts and prayers!
~ Sheila Sckerl Anderson
Britton, SD (9/2/2011)
Kunz family, so sorry to hear about uncle Ted. I will always remember his good nature, I never saw him in a bad mood. I know he is smiling down on each of you, with pride and love. I wish we could be there for you, stand together and be strong for one another. We are thinking of you all with love.
~ Bonnie & Brad Johnson
30 Abbey Court, Fishersville, Va (9/2/2011)
Faith and family,
Our sympathies to you all. And sending prayers of strength your way.
God Bless.
~ Jolene and Don Haynes
Philip (9/2/2011)
He alway had a smile, and was fun to be around. Our sympathies are sent to all of you. God Bless
~ Lefty Tom
PO Box 255, Britton, SD 57430 (9/2/2011)
He was a great person to be around. He will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, at this time. sent for Lefty Tom of Britton, SD.
~ Betty North
PO Box 255, Britton, SD 57430 (9/2/2011)
Rob and family,
So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
~ Kathy Harris
Bowman, ND (9/2/2011)
So sorry to hear about Ted. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with your families.
~ Marcy Liknes Schumacher
Aberdeen (9/2/2011)
Dear Faith and family, May the memories help you through this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
~ Karen Hanson
Rapid City, SD (9/2/2011)
Dear Faith and Family
The last year and 10 months was a long road for Ted but he did his best to stay on top of his plight. Instead of directing others he had to do as he was directed. Through it all he held his head up high and focused on his bride's well being seeing to it that you were in a safe place and well taken care of when he wouldn't be able to anymore which I'm sure made it easier for him to accept his journey as he did all he could for those he loved. I always enjoyed being able to keep up with my German language as I know he did too. Rest in peace Ted you have worked hard for it.
~ Dorothy Hansen
Philip (9/2/2011)
Rob, Nancy, Alex, & Lauren - We are so sorry to hear about Ted's death. Everytime he saw one of us - it was the "old" neighbors from across the street. He always had a smile and would ask how things were going for us. He will be greatly missed. Your family & Rob's mom and family are all in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Tom & Shala Senske
Sioux Falls (9/2/2011)
Faith and family, Ted will always be remembered and honored as a great school administrator. I will always appreciate his good advice and guidance, he was so helpful. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
~ Amelia Hurley
Philip (9/2/2011)
Dear Faith and family,
What memories I have of our families living on Sunshine Drive! We had many visits just standing out on the street trying to keep up with Andrew and Garrett as they were growing up. And I loved Ted's fudge he'd bring to me at Christmas time! I'm grateful to have been "one of the teachers" under his supervision all those years. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
~ Karen Rembold
Spearfish, SD (9/2/2011)
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family at this sad time. God bless!
~ Dennis & Kari Walker
Fargo ND (9/2/2011)
Ted fought this battle with strength and courage....much the way he tackled other challenges in his life. I remember the challenge he had when you all moved to Philip; and I remember working for a fair, firm and dedicated administrator. Take comfort in the memories and take care of each other.
~ Nancy Ekstrum
Philip, SD (9/2/2011)
to the family of Ted... we were saddened by the passing of a great friend and we send our sympathy to the entire family. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
~ kenny and nancy neville
philip (9/2/2011)
Connie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for all of you. Nate and Lori Limoges
~ Lori Limoges
25627 473rd Ave. Renner, SD (9/2/2011)
My sympathy to you and your extended family. (Ted was superintendent when we lived in Britton for several years.)
~ Rosemary Hammond
Sioux Falls, SD (9/2/2011)
Faith and family,as a child I remember Ted and Faith being so good to us Lewis children. Then they came to see us all in Newcastle as well in 2000 to see Dad and the rest of the family at the reunion. Thanks for all of the memories. May God bless all of you. I will always treasure my time in Scenic and Rapid City visiting with all. Our prayers are with you.
~ Judie Lewis Wimberley
501 N. Kinsley Winslow, AZ 86047 (9/2/2011)
Connie and family,
So sorry for your loss. It's so hard to lose our parents. Your dad was a wonderful guy. And, he was a great superintendent at Britton. Remember all the good times and keep them close to your heart. Nobody can take the memories away from you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. You have my deepest sympathy.
~ Sharon (Webb) Ryan
Rapid City, SD (9/2/2011)
So sorry to hear about Ted. I haven't heard anything about him for years and still thought he was in Britton. New he was a superintendent and always hoped he liked it. Reading some of the comments about him he sounded like he was very well liked and did enjoy his job.
I graduated in 52 from Pollock High School same as Ted did. I always thought he was older than I and now I find out he was a year younger than I. Way to young to die but I guess the good Lord must know what he is doing and why he does what he does. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I'm sure Ted will be missed by many. Margaret
~ Margaret (Kruger) Salzer
Timber Lake, SD (9/2/2011)
Linda and family, So sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad, Ted. My thoughts & prayers are with you.
~ Jodi Moerke
Aberdeen, SD (9/2/2011)
Rob and family,
Sorry to hear of your Dad's illness and passing. I'm glad he had a couple of months closer to some of the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
~ Peggy Jones Davidson
Britton (9/2/2011)
Faith & family, Ted was a good friend and great administrator. We were both fortunate to have taught under him. Caring thoughts and prayers are with you.
~ Al & Marlene Sime
Britton, SD (9/2/2011)
I was a student at Britton High School when Mr. Kunz was the Superintendent. I was a young man who tended to get into trouble during my high school days. Mr. Kunz was the reason I stayed in school and graduated. I went on to get a college degree, had a good career and raised a great family. Mr. Kunz was a fine man.
~ Mark Luitjens
Aberdeen, SD (9/2/2011)
Dear Kunz Family,
I am very sorry about Ted's passing. He was a wonderful mentor to me as a young principal. He will be missed.
Jeff
~ Jeff Holm
Minot, ND (9/2/2011)