Jack E. Kautzman

Jack Kautzman, 98, passed away February 11, 2026, at the Baptist Home, in Bismarck.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Spirit of Life Catholic Church in Mandan, with Rev. Keith Streifel honoring Jack’s long, full life. He will be laid to rest at the Mandan Union Cemetery.  

Visitation will be held Monday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Weigel Funeral Home with a 7:00 PM rosary/prayer service.

Jack was born on October 20, 1927, to Ralph and Elizabeth (Hatzenbuhler) Kautzman. Raised in Center, ND, he grew up learning the value of hard work on the family farm alongside his siblings until he took a position at the Refinery in Mandan. Later he apprenticed and worked with Fred Koenig as an electrician and linemen. He worked alongside others to bring power to the rural areas in Morton County.

Jack was married to Lillian (Zander) on November 1, 1949. Together they purchased their first farm in St. Anthony, ND. There they started their family, having two daughters. Six years later, they purchased the Kolberg Farm at Fort Rice. The family grew with another daughter and their first son.

They family raised beef cattle and farmed small grains. Later, a dairy parlor was added.

Semi-retiring from the farm, Jack and Lillian moved to Mandan. The two of them partnered in many construction endeavors, building and renovating homes in Mandan and Bismarck. Jack’s last build was a house overlooking the Missouri River on Highway 1806 where they lived for several years before moving into Mandan.

Jack and Lillian loved dancing and meeting friends at the clubs. Polkas were his expertise. Often traveling a far for a polka contest. In the winter, the two of them escaped to Arizona.

After losing Lillian in 2016, Jack kept busy with small projects at his rentals, fishing with his uncles, and meeting his buddies at Burger King for coffee.

Jack will be missed by his daughters, Sandra (Wayne) Smith, Mandan, Colette (Dennis) Friedt, Gillette, Wyo., and Jackie (Gene) Geiger, Bismarck; son, Stacy (Rocelyn) Kautzman, Bismarck; 15 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Catherine Mosbrucker, Mandan and Elizabeth Goggins, Milwaukie, WI; brother, Ralph (Irene) Center, ND; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Lillian; his parents; brothers, John (Maggie) and Matthew (Jackie); and brother-in-law, Ben Mosbrucker.

A special thanks to the caring people at the Baptist Home, where Jack was always well taken care of.