Country Focus: Kunze Crew and Their Tractors

Rally in the Valley is this weekend. Normally, my dad would be polishing up the tractors to drive in the parade. Since we won’t be in town, one of the tractors will be in the parade driven by my cousin’s husband. Mom, Dad, my family and my brother’s family will be in Bismarck to celebrate my sister’s 25th Jubilee. She took her first vows to become a sister in June 1996.

Two years ago, the Kunze crew gathered in town for the parade. The crew included my family plus aunts, uncles and all the cousins with their families. The oldest tractor of my dad’s, the W-9, was 70 years old in 2019. My greatgrandpa, Joe Kunze Jr., purchased it brand new in 1949 from Geisler’s Implement in Valley City. My grandpa, Arnold Kunze, sold the tractor to Herman Wolke around 1965 for $300. Years later, my dad was determined to get the tractor back and when Herman had his sale about 10 years ago,

Dad brought it home for way more than $300. If I remember correctly, Mom didn’t know he was buying the tractor until he drove in the yard with it on a trailer. Better to ask for forgiveness than permission.

The other tractors Dad had restored include the Super M, two 806’s, and the 1456. All the tractors were purchased brand new by Joe or Arnold from Geisler’s. As a kid, I remember the distinct smell of oil and grease when I walked in to Geisler’s with Dad or Grandpa. The store had the old Coke pop bottle machine that you opened the door after putting in the coins. Al Geisler always treated us kids to a bottle of pop. Geisler’s Implement is where the Open Door Center is now across the street north of Pizza Corner.

Enjoy Saturday in Valley City! Be sure to wave to my cousin’s husband driving the 806.