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 grain, raised cattle and their eight children.
Beatrice was the definition of a true farm wife. Whether it be working in the hay field, trucking grain or milking. With hard work and love, they were able to build a new home on the farmstead in 1976 where they lived until Augustin’s passing in 2010.
Beatrice loved gardening and canning, especially pickles and baking bread. She was a talented seamstress, sewing prom and flower girl dresses and pajamas for her grandchildren.
Her greatest joy, however, was holiday gatherings at the farm, hosting her ever-growing family. She was a wonderful cook and loved to bake. Her German Potato salad and brownies were staples. Her children and grandchildren will forever cherish these memories.
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, Augustin of 57 years; sisters and their husbands, Marie (Donald) Hager and Lorraine (Darold) Mundahl; brother-in-law and his wife, Leo (Yvonne) Schmaltz; sisters-in-law, Rosemary Jundt and Alberta Pankow; sons-in-law, Ted Laugeness and Richard Schaan; Jerie Strietzel, significant other to Marvin; and step-granddaughter, Jennifer Ebach; Augustin’s parents, Nicholas and Eva (Mitzel) Schmaltz.
The Beatrice Schmaltz family wishes to thank the staff of HALC for the wonderful care given to our mother. Your love, patience and dedication brought great comfort to our family that will always be remembered. Please join us for lunch and fellowship immediately following in the church basement.
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.
Organist: Angie Deplazes Vocal leader/Cantor: Amber Ritterman
Scripture Readers: Granddaughters, Kiara Larson & Sara Kukowski
Eucharistic Minister: Chad Kleinknecht
Gifts: Great Grandchildren, Sutton Kukowski, Emalyn Grove, Adalyn Grove, Myles Schaan & Auggie Schneider
Casket Bearers: Grandsons, Wendal Ebach, Steven Purington, Wyatt Schmaltz, Levi Schaan, Kaelin Schneider, Tate Schmaltz, Keaton Larson, Paxton Kleinknecht & Reece Kleinknecht
Honorary Bearers: Grandchildren, Michael Purington, Sara Kukowski, Melissa Purington, Sherry Miller, Lacey Strietzel, Meranda Schmaltz, Crystal Grove, Skylar Schneider, Jaden Schneider, Chris Benson, Sierrah Schmaltz, Leighton Larson, Kiara Larson, McKade Kleinknecht
Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Homes of Rugby & Towner. Online registry: www.funeralsbyanderson.com
Published by The Pierce County Tribune, March 28, 2026.