Beatrice Schmaltz
Beatrice Helen (Kuntz) Schmaltz, the daughter of Martin and Magdalena (Bischoff) Kuntz, was born in south Pierce County, ND on October 20, 1935, and passed away peacefully at the age of 90 surrounded by the love of her family on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Heart of America Living Center.
Beatrice was raised on her family farm in Berwick Township and attended school in Berwick. She was united in marriage to Augustin Schmaltz at St. Anselm’s Catholic Church in Fulda, ND on October 6, 1953. Following marriage, they made their home two miles south of Towner until 1958 when they moved to Beatrice’s family farmstead where they farmed, ranched, and raised their eight children.
Beatrice was the definition of a farm wife. A true partner to her husband, hard work was their way of life, every task they took on together – “Auggie and Beatie”. It was through that hard work and love they were able to build a new home on the farmstead in 1976 where they lived together until Augustin’s passing in 2010.
A talented seamstress, she sewed Christmas pajamas for grandchildren, prom dresses for her daughters, and several dresses wore at her children’s weddings. She was a wonderful cook – her homemade buns, kuchen and chokecherry jelly were family favorites. Gardening was her passion. Never to let an ounce of her bountiful harvest go to waste, she canned everything from pickles to crab apples to apple juice.
Her greatest joy, however, came from hosting her ever-growing family. Holidays gatherings at the farm consisted of love, laughter, family, and grandma Beatie’s cooking (her pickles, brownies, and German potato salad were staples) and provided memories her children and grandchildren will forever cherish.
Beatrice remained on the farm until 2015 when she moved to Rugby. After her move to town, she spent much of her time with her sister, Lorraine. Together they didn’t miss a thing and even traveled to Washington state together on the train.
Her Catholic faith was a pillar in her life. She was an active member of the Christian Mothers. It was her strength and faith that helped her become a breast cancer survivor after a diagnosis in 2005.
Beatrice is survived by her eight children: Kenneth (Linda) of Rugby; Shirley Laugeness of Dilworth, MN; Marvin Schmaltz; Cynthia Schaan and Lori (Steve) Schneider, all of Rugby; Duane Schmaltz of Devils Lake; Karla (Rick) Larson of Rugby; and Darlene (Chad) Kleinknecht of Jamestown; as well as 22 grandchildren; 5 step-grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren (with another to arrive any day); 7 step great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Craig Pankow and Victor (Diane) Schmaltz; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 57 years; sisters, Lorraine Mundahl and Marie Hager; brothers-in-law Darold Mundahl, Donald Hager; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Leo & Yvonne Schmaltz; sisters-in-law, Rosemary Jundt and Alberta Pankow; sons-in-law Ted Laugeness and Richard Schaan; Jerie Streitzel, significant other to Marvin; and step-granddaughter, Jennifer Ebach.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 27 at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Towner with lunch and fellowship to follow in the church basement. Burial will take place in the spring at the church cemetery. Father Michael Schommer, Celebrant.
Visitation will be on Thursday, March 26 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with rosary, vigil prayer service and sharing beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home in Rugby.
Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Homes of Rugby & Towner. Online registry: www.funeralsbyanderson.com
Published by The Pierce County Tribune, March 21, 2026.