Lois Kunze

Lois Eileen (Doe) Kunze went home to her Heavenly Father on Saturday August 12, 2023.  

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00AM, Saturday, August 19 at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1004 E Highland Acres, Bismarck, with Pastor Lisa Ahlness officiating.

A service livestream will be available at the following link: https://churchofthecross.org/stream-online/ 

Lois Eileen Doe was the ninth daughter born on September 9, 1937, on the family homestead. She was the youngest of 14 children born to Tom and Lillian (Hovland) Doe. Lois attended rural Tepee Butte School and met her future husband, Russell J. Kunze, at a birthday party and stole his heart from the start. On December 30, 1953, she married Russell at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in New England and made their home in both New England and Bowman.

Lois’ faith was very important to her. Lois’ greatest love was for her Lord Jesus and she expressed it in the way she lived her life. She was active in her Church participating in Bible studies, many aspects of the women’s ministries, and taught Sunday School. Lois’ love for children was evident everywhere she went. She was an excellent cook and baker. “Make it a good day,” was Lois’ common expression to encourage you to have another helping - no one left her table hungry. God truly blessed her with the gift of hospitality.

Having grown up on a farm, Lois loved and cherished many animals over the years. Her grand cats and grand dogs held a special place in her heart, and she would always ask how they were doing or say, “Tell them grandma loves them.”

In 1971, Russell and Lois bought a family ice business while living in Bowman and eventually relocated it to Dickinson. They sold the business after 30 years. Following Russell’s accident in 1972, Lois became Russell’s “right-hand person” devoted to helping him in any way she could. In May 2011, they sold their home in New England and moved to Edgewood Village in Bismarck to further assist with Russell’s needs. Following his death, Lois moved to Bowman in April 2013. In July of 2015 she returned to Bismarck.

Lois loved spending time with her children and grandchildren telling stories and looking at old pictures. She enjoyed singing and dancing.

Lois will be dearly missed by her children: David (Cindy), Debra Patterson, Susan (Redg) Finck, Pamela (Milo) Morris, Mark (Valerie); six grandsons: Joshua (Stacy) Finck, Matthew Morris, Thomas (Bethany) Morris, Luke, Caden and Jace Kunze; three great-grandchildren: Gavin and Savanna Finck and Mia Morris. In addition, Lois is survived by her sister, Lila Johnson; sister-in-law, Marie Doe; brothers-in-law: Jim Whetter, John (Barbara) Kunze and Bill (Elva) Kunze along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Lois was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Russell, son-in-law, Bert Patterson, parents, five brothers: Lloyd (Marie), Calvin (Ann), Glen (Pauline), Earl (Arlene), and Leslie, brothers-in-law: Herman Johnson, Bob (Lois J.) Kunze, seven sisters: Gladys (Leslie) Doe, Marjorie (Jake) Mack, Virginia (Joe) Lisius, Lorraine (Jack) Rafferty, Hazel (Bernie) Liden, Elaine (Leroy) Thorsgard, and Shirley Whetter, and several nieces and nephews. She is now enjoying The Great Reunion.

In honor of Lois’ deep faith and love of animals, please consider a memorial to a faith-based ministry or a local animal shelter/rescue.