November 16, 1917 – Monday, October 4, 2010
Service Information
St. Francis Catholic Church in Buffalo,
Thursday, October 7, 2010
11:00 A.M.
Visitation Information
Emery Frank Kunkel 92 of Buffalo, MN passed away Monday, October 04, 2010 at Abbot Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.
Emery Frank Kunkel was born November 16, 1917 at Pearl Lake near Kimball, Minnesota to Matthew and Frances (Wicker) Kunkel. He grew up near Kimball and attended country school. Emery served in the U.S. Army in the 1st Armored Division during World War II. After the service he returned to Minnesota where he took up the carpentry trade. Emery was united in marriage to Lucille A. Rukavina on June 23, 1956 at Rochester, Minnesota. The couple settled in the Minnetonka area.
Emery’s hobbies included playing cards and board games. He also enjoyed bowling. He was a life time member of the American Legion.
Emery is survived by his wife Lucille of Buffalo, daughter Cindy (L.V. “Mike”) James of Modesto, CA. grandchildren; Jason G. Kunkel, Sarah M. James, and Joshua James, Four great grandchildren: Jacob, Olivia, Dominick, and Ethan, sisters: Jeanette (Leo) Gueningsman of Howard Lake, Arvilla Hopkins of Buffalo, brothers; Richard (Ruth) Kunkel of Maple Lake, Jerry (Michelle) Kunkel of Robbinsdale Arnold (Rita) Kunkel of Plymouth and Allen (Phyllis) Kunkel of Plymouth. He is also survived by sister in law, Delores Kunkel of Minneapolis.
Emery was preceded in death by his parents, Matthew and Frances Kunkel, one sister ; Caroline and her husband George Lesnar and one brother Lambert.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church in Buffalo, MN with Fr, David Hennen, Celebrant. Visitation will be Thursday 9:00 am until time of services at the church. Interment will be Friday, October 8, 2010 at Ft Snelling National Cemetery at 10:45 with full military honors.
Casket Bearers included Joseph Hopkins, Roger Gueningsman, Lawrence Kunkel, Harlan Kunkel, Jim Kunkel and Mark Kunkel
The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo Assisted the family with arrangements.
Emery was not only a close uncle to me but a friend through my childhood and early adult life. He was there on numerous occasions to give me advice and support as I grew up without a father of my own present. Some of my fondest memories are the numerous card games we played with other family members. He loved little wooden puzzles, which he was always making in his workshop. I always considered him a top notch wood worker and he always had the time to show me how to use this or that tool. I will miss this fine man. I have arranged for a series of 30 Traditional Gregorian Masses to be said for the repose of Emery’s soul. Please pray for the soul of Emery and for all those who die with nobody to pray for them.