Ervin Kautzman

Ervin George Kautzman, 85, Bismarck, passed away Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021 at St. Alexius, Bismarck. Mass of Christian burial will be held Wednesday, Feb. 24, 10:00 am, at Church of Corpus Christi, 1919 N 2^nd St, Bismarck with Monsignor Schumacher officiating.  Family will greet guests at the church one-hour prior. The funeral will be live streamed on the church Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CorpusBismarck/

Burial will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck.

Ervin was born on Jan. 9, 1936 to Joseph and Rose (Gratz) Kautzman in Judson. He grew up in the Crown Butte area and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1956. Following high school, he attended DeVry Institute, Chicago and received a communication installation and repair degree and was employed as Western Electric starting in 1957.

On Oct. 15, 1959, Ervin enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving for a little over two year and being honorably discharged on Feb. 7, 1962. Once he returned to N.D., he continued employment with Western Electric, which later became AT&T Bell Telephone.

On June 11, 1966, he married Frances Fischer at St Anthony’s Church, Linton. Together, they made their home in Bismarck. On May 11, 1987, Frances passed away.

Ervin retired in the early 90’s. His hobbies included camping-something him and Frances enjoyed together and also socializing, fishing, hunting and cooking – he was an excellent cook. Following retirement he put his cooking skills to work at the AmVets and Broken Oar. He was the First Commander and founding member of AmVets Post #9 from 1982 to 1984. During this time, he held national offices through the AmVets.

He was a member of the Church of St. Anne’s. Ervin was an active member of the community and attended numerous events.  He was an avid outdoorsman. Ervin lived by his own words “ Be honest and don’t be afraid to work.”

Ervin is survived by his siblings, Beatrice Mosbrucker, New Salem, Wilbert Kautzman, Mandan, Raymond (Darlene) Kautzman, Mandan, James Kautzman, Chandler, Ariz., Dennis (Sheila) Kautzman, Port Huron, Mich., and Eileen (Kenneth) Otto, Mandan; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Esther Yantzer; in-laws, Peter Mosbrucker, Ray Yantzer, Dolores Kautzman and Veronica Kautzman; nieces, Sarah Geeck and Linda and her husband Dan Williams.

Memorials are preferred to the donor’s choice.