[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Page 20800]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                             EDWIN J. KUNTZ

 Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I rise today to announce the passing 
of an outstanding leader in the agriculture community of Montana. I 
first met Ed Kuntz and his family in the 1960's. He and his family 
lived in the small community of Custer, Montana. They farmed small 
grain, sugar beets and fed cattle. It was a typical diversified farming 
operation found on the many irrigation projects along the Yellowstone 
River.
  Ed was a little different. He was not only of the land but was of the 
people who lived on the land and called it home. Just another average 
American of the silent Americans who served this country when asked and 
served his community when no one else would. Average? Not at all. 
Nothing could be further from the truth.
  His service to his community and neighbors did not stop at the county 
line. He was an excellent farmer and stockman. His love and respect for 
the sugar industry took him to national leadership where he was one of 
their most respected leaders. With the demands on the farm and 
dedication to a family, he still found time to work for the sugar beet 
industry not only for himself but his neighbors. I know first hand the 
impact he had on this town of Washington as he represented the many 
sugar growers across the country.
  He was born May 3, 1926 in Billings, Montana. He was educated and 
graduated from Custer High School in 1944 and enlisted in the Army Air 
Corps and trained as a gunner on a B-17. While on furlough, he married 
his high school sweetheart, Peg Qusest. This December they would have 
been celebrating being married 56 years.
  Ed became a director on the Mountain States Beet Growers Association 
and served 35 years on that board. He was treasurer for more years than 
anybody can count and president for 10 years. He also served on the 
board of directors of the American Sugar Beet Association in 
Washington, D.C. and devoted many hours away from the farming operation 
and family.
  He is survived by his wife, Peg of Custer, Montana, a daughter, 
Belva; 2 sons, Rick and Cody.
  By paying our respect to Ed Kuntz, we acknowledge the unsung leaders 
across this land who silently build a nation every day. He was just one 
that has been described as being a part of the greatest 
generation.

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