Legacy of Learning
Thoughtful Tribute Made Possible Through Tax-Wise Giving
Bob Kuntz remembers his late wife Debbie as a champion of education. Debbie, Bob said, was the primary force behind inspiring a love of learning in their three daughters — Kira, Lara and Trina — and that deep commitment extended far beyond their family.
A tenacious lifelong reader, learner and teacher, Debbie dedicated herself to supporting educational opportunities for children. She served on multiple community boards in their hometown of Great Falls, uplifted programs that encouraged reading and literacy and founded a book club that continues to meet today, 15 years after it began. “Education was very important to her,” Bob said, “and that’s how she lived her life.”
After she passed away in 2022, Bob and their daughter Lara Kuntz Clark knew the best way to honor Debbie’s memory was to make a significant investment in one of her favorite institutions at the University of Montana: The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library.
At the suggestion of his financial advisor, Bob and Lara contacted the UM Foundation to explore how Bob could make a gift that would allow him to take advantage of Montana’s generous Qualified Endowment Credit. The tax credit helps donors stretch their giving by allowing them to reduce their state income tax liability dollar for dollar — up to $15,000 for individuals and $30,000 for married couples filing jointly.
This benefit made it possible for Bob to turn his vision of creating an endowment into a lasting legacy. The Bob and Debbie Kuntz Endowment will provide enduring support for the library, giving its leadership the flexibility to seize opportunities, strengthen programs and invest in what will have the greatest impact for years to come.
Lara said they were drawn to supporting the Mansfield Library because of its unique role at the heart of the University. As an on-campus resource for study, research and access to technology, the library serves all students, regardless of their background, circumstances or year in school. She also said the Kuntz family wanted to maximize their impact by making sure the fund would be available to achieve the library’s priorities as they evolve over time, instead of being earmarked for a narrow, specific use.
“The library has the ability to touch every student on campus,” Lara said. “It can be that community piece. It kind of levels the playing field, and my mom was always a supporter of everybody having that opportunity.”
At home, Debbie’s unwavering support helped all three Kuntz daughters earn advanced degrees from universities across the West. Today, they are successful professionals with families of their own. Lara remembers her mom as “always one to make you work hard, but she was always willing to dig in and help, too.”
As a testament to Debbie’s legacy of love, learning and service, a celebration of life held in her honor at the Great Falls Country Club in 2022 drew 500 people. Bob said Debbie regarded helping the community and seeing their daughters grow into successful adults as her greatest accomplishments.
“The impact that she had on the education and growth of our family was phenomenal,” he said. “She was a very modest person, but inside she was just glowing.”
*The University of Montana Foundation provides information about the benefits of planned gifts and does not provide any legal, financial or tax advice. Please consult with your advisor(s) before making a gift.