J. Margaret Kunda

Margaret peacefully passed into eternal life on Thursday, December 13 surrounded by her children. She is now with her Savior, husband Joe, and daughter Vickie.



She was born on the family farm in Braddock, North Dakota to Myron S. Baker and Jessie E. Perry in December 1925. She lived on the farm until entering nursing school in Bismarck, North Dakota. Her favorite memories of the farm were her animal friends.



Upon graduating from what is now St. Mary University, she began working at the Burlington Northern Hospital in Glendive, Montana. It was there that she met her husband, Joseph R. Kunda. They were married on October 27, 1951 at Sacred Heart Parish in Glendive.



She continued to work at the hospital and raise her family in Glendive until 1963 at which time the family moved to Bozeman, Montana. Mom then began working night shifts at Bozeman Deaconess in the Orthopedic unit. She chose the night shift so that she could be involved with her children's school events. She and Dad were their biggest fans. She and Dad even attended their grandson's college world series games in Omaha, Nebraska. When she no longer had children or grandchildren involved in sports, she began rooting for the Bobcats. She would rather watch a MSU Bobcat game or listen to one on the radio than participate in a social activity.



Mom retired in 1987. She then began accompanying Dad on the road transporting livestock. They both enjoyed riding their horses in the mountains. They would often meet their children and grandchildren on camping trips so the grandkids could enjoy a horseback ride with grandma and grandpa. We children also have fond memories of camping, fishing and hunting with them. We looked forward to Mom's fried chicken! We children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are so grateful for the time spent with Mom this past Fourth of July.



In 2006 Mom and Dad moved to Highgate Senior Living. She continued with her favorite hobby of sewing. She made quilts for all twelve of her grandchildren. She also was known for shortening or mending clothing for Highgate residents. When her health was better, she enjoyed bowling, playing BINGO and Pinochle. Her table companions at meal times were her best friends. They could often be seen holding hands and sharing their dry senses of humor. She was a caring and loving person and touched many lives. All those who knew her were blessed.



Margaret is survived by her five children, Carol (Don Wirtz); Deb Mus (Roger Bair); Brad (Traci Anderson) and (Sue Kunda); Jim (Debby); and Gail (Jeff Combs). Grandchildren include Monica, Alison and Holly Wirtz; Jessica and Joe Mus; Christopher (Chrissy) Kunda and Kerri Kunda; Amanda (Jordan) Krantz, Katie and Eli Kunda; Amber (Luke) Bailey, and Stacey (Mitch) Zentner. Great grandchildren include Mason and Landon Krantz, Twyla Kunda and Aiden Bailey.



A Funeral will be held Tuesday, December 18th at 4:00 pm. at Dahl Funeral & Cremation Service Tribute Center, Bozeman, Montana. A Memorial Mass will be held in June at Resurrection Parish, Bozeman.