Marie Theresa Knopp Kautz

Marie was born on Oct. 13, 1922, on a small farm at Alpha, N.D. Her parents were Victoria and John Knopp. Marie graduated from Sentinel Butte High School in 1940. She moved to Billings and attended Billings Business College. Marie married Fred "Fritz" Kautz on Dec. 14, 1941. This couple farmed and ranched west of Billings. Four children were born to this union. Marie and Fritz retired from farming and moved into Billings in 1981.

Marie was full of life and loved people. She never met a stranger. Marie dearly loved her family and in-laws. She always raised a premium garden. Marie has been actively involved in YMCA Women's Fitness Center, First English Lutheran Church, RSVP, Granite Fitness and Billings Community Senior Center. She loved to dance at Elks Club, VFW Club, Billings Senior Center and American Legion.

Marie was preceded in death by her husband and two children, Bonnie Langager and Gary Kautz. Survivors include her son, Freddie J. Kautz; son-in-law Harvey Langager; daughter Junie Collins; grandchildren Gina (Shane) Poor and Ross (Jenny) Langager; and four great-grandchildren. Also left to mourn are two sisters, Lorraine Fakler of Portland, Ore., and Alice Lyons of Springhill, La., as well as many nieces, nephews and good friends. Marie also leaves behind special friend Armando Ramirez.

Celebration of life will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at First English Lutheran Church, 1241 N. 31st St. Interment will be in Mountview Cemetery.

Donations can be made to First English Lutheran Church or the Billings Senior Community Center.