Reuben Melvin Kuntz

Reuben Melvin Kuntz was born to Jacob and Mary Ereaux Kuntz on July 16, 1944, in Harlem, Montana, the eighth of thirteen children. He died on Dec. 20th, at the age of 81, after battling pulmonary fibrosis, a service-related lung disease. Reuben graduated from Harlem High School in 1962 and enlisted in the US Navy. He served on the minesweeper US Esteem for four years as an electrician's mate, sailing off the coast of Vietnam and to many other countries across the far east. After his military service, Reuben attended Montana State University, earning a bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

In 1970, Reuben married the love of his life, Elizabeth "Libby" Cecil and became a father to her son, Bret. After living in Helena, Montana, where Reuben was employed as assistant manager at Woolworth's, Reuben and Libby moved permanently to Harlem in 1972. Reuben managed the local Skogmo Store and eventually purchased the business, changing the name to Family West. The family grew with the birth of son, Kyle Jacob and daughter, Hilary Elizabeth. Reuben loved being a dad and was an active supporter of all his children's activities throughout the years.

Reuben was committed to making his hometown a good place to raise his family and was a member of many community organizations. He served on the Harlem Volunteer Fire Dept. for many years. He was a member of the Harlem Lion's Club, the Harlem Business Association, the Harlem Alumni Association, VFW Post 4744 and Blaine County Democrats. He served on the Harlem City Council and was active in the Lutheran Church. In 1991, he took on a new role as Harlem City Judge, serving for 20 years. After the death of his father-in-law, Reuben stepped in to work on and help manage the Bardanouve Ranch and family rental properties. Throughout his life, he was known for being hardworking and capable, with farming and ranching adding to the projects, repairs and improvements he tirelessly worked on. Reuben was interested in both historical and current events and remained an avid reader until his death.

Above all, Reuben was a loving, dedicated family man. He adored his grandchildren and visited with his large, extended family whenever possible. His family includes his wife, Libby Kuntz, Harlem; three children, Bret Kuntz, Harlem; Kyle Kuntz, Harlem; and Hilary Handy (Jordan), Zurich. Grandchildren, Aaron Kuntz (Ellie; Tia Kuntz; Aislinn and Aubree Handy; Elizabeth Handy Myers (Andy); and Seth Handy (Kianna). Great grandchildren, Calvin Kuntz, Declan and Lennox Myers, Jaxon Handy Corcoran, Laria Hopkins Handy; and sister-in-law Ann Kuntz. Surviving siblings include, Marilyn Gray Bentz, Judy Gray Geraghty, Monte Gray Bogden, Michael Gray (Dorothy), Evelyn Kuntz Patterson, Clarice Kuntz Ritter ("Bernie"), Jack Kuntz (Pam) and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Reuben was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Bobby Gray, Lorraine Gray Lahaie, Elaine Kuntz Bastin, Richard Kuntz and Charlotte Kuntz.

A memorial service in the spring will be announced at a later date.