Roberta Kunze

Roberta Kunze, age 80, of Bismarck passed away peacefully Monday, May 13, 2024.

Roberta was born in Glendive MT to Robert and Ada Harpster. Roberta graduated high school and taught elementary school before meeting and marrying Marlin Kunze in 1964 and moving to Regent, ND. The aftermath of a car accident in 1967 took Marlin and Roberta from Regent to Bismarck where Marlin started working for the state of North Dakota. In 1971, Marlin and Roberta welcomed baby girl Cynthia Ann into their family through adoption. Roberta was a devoted wife and mother for several years until she returned to school to complete her degree at Bismarck State College. She was hired in the accounts payable office of BSC where she remained until her retirement. Marlin and Roberta enjoyed their retirement whether it was Friday night at the Elks, eating and playing pull tabs with friends, or travelling to Montana to see their grandsons. Roberta remained married to Marlin until his death in May of 2016.

Roberta became an accomplished quilter in her retirement. Many babies and family members were blessed with her quilts until she could no longer cut fabric due to her arthritis. She also fulfilled her desire to be a world traveler, following Cynthia's Naval duty stations to Arizona, Florida, California, and Yokosuka Japan. She enjoyed spending winters in Phoenix with her dog Jojo in the last few years and was always willing to grab her passport for the next adventure. 

Roberta is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia and Tiesson Davis, her previous son-in-law, Reed Kempf, her two beloved grandsons, Isaac and Elijah Kempf, brothers, John and Neil Harpster, niece and nephew Kathy and Todd Kunze, nephews Jeff and Desmond Harpster, and many lifelong friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Ada Harpster, and her husband, Marlin. 

Roberta's family is grateful to the staff at Missouri Slope and Sanford Hospice who provided kind and compassionate care in Roberta's final days. 

No services are scheduled but celebration of her life will take place at a later date.