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Faith Kunzof Philip, South Dakota, died on Thursday, July 11, 2013
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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
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.