Service Information
Harold C. Kunkel, age 94, of Glencoe, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at GlenFields Living With Care in Glencoe, Minnesota.
Funeral Service will be held Friday, February 17, 2023, 11:00 A.M., at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe, Minnesota, with interment following at the First Lutheran Cemetery in Glencoe.
Visitation will be held Thursday, February 16, 2023, from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe, Minnesota, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.
Obituary
Harold Carl Kunkel was born on December 29, 1928, in New Auburn Township, Sibley County, Minnesota. He was the son of Henry and Albertine (Ehrenberg) Kunkel. Harold was baptized as an infant on January 13, 1929, by Pastor K. Kolbe and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth on March 29, 1942, by Pastor Alf. Streufert, both at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe. He received his education at the country school near his home through the eighth grade.
On May 7, 1955, Harold was united in marriage to Verna Kaufmann at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe. After their marriage, the couple resided on the Kunkel family farm on Schilling Lake Road. Harold and Verna were blessed with five children, Robert, Sandra, Larry, LeAnn, and Kraig. The couple shared 67 years of marriage.
Harold was a lifelong farmer. He enjoyed harvesting his crops and caring for his animals. Harold was an active member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church his entire life and was a part of the church Men’s Club. He also served on the Stewardship Board for many years. At the age of 13, Harold helped with some of the first renovations made to the church. He continued assisting with these projects over the years. Harold was also a member of the Shady Lane Sportsman Club.
He enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting and fishing. He looked forward to socializing and playing cards, going to local fish fries with family and friends and listening to polka music. He enjoyed working for the Men’s Club pancake dinner, he was a skilled potato peeler. He cherished the time he spent with his family and friends.
When he needed assistance with his care, Harold became a resident of GlenFields Living With Care and passed away there on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at the age of 94 years.
Blessed be his memory.
Harold is survived by his:
Wife, Verna Kunkel of Glencoe, MN;
Children, Robert “Bob” Kunkel and his wife, Lori, of Glencoe, MN,
Sandra Kunkel of Plato, MN,
Larry Kunkel and his wife, Donna, of Glencoe, MN,
Kraig Kunkel and his special friend, Tammy Mathwig of New Auburn, MN;
Grandchildren, Andrea (Jeff) Mueller of Plato, MN, John (Kari) Kunkel of Glencoe, MN, Lisa (Chris) Schwartz of Wayzata, MN, Alex Kunkel of Glencoe, MN, Kristina (Kenny) Fillbrandt of Glencoe, MN, Katelyn Kunkel and her special friend, Tim Woolston of Brookings, SD;
Great-Grandchildren, Charles, Myles, Kora, Vera, Jane, Josephine;
Step-Great-Grandchild, Justin;
Sisters-in-law, LaVonne Kaufmann, Alice Kaufmann, Lornalee Kaufmann, Daun Kaufmann;
Nieces, nephews, cousins, special friends, and extended family.
Harold was preceded in death by his Parents, Henry and Albertine Kunkel; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Alex and Emma Kaufmann; Daughter, LeAnn Kunkel; Brother, Ellsworth (Mabel) Kunkel; Sisters, Lorna (Harry) Bentz, Irma (Alton) Gens, Evelyn (Harvey) Knop; Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law, Evelyn (Alfred) Burdorf, Lorraine (Victor) Brinkmeier, Hillard Kaufmann, Maynard Kaufmann, Marvin Kaufmann, LeRoy (Arlene) Kaufmann; Nieces, nephews and many friends.
Butch Koester says
I am so sorry for your loss. The Kunkels were the first family I got to know when I moved to Glencoe. Harold was one of the most down to earth people I ever met. If everyone lived their life like Harold the world would be a much better place.
Rodney and Penny Voight says
we are so very sorry to hear of your loss. we will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Joyce M Baumgartner says
I am so sorry to hear about your families loss. Harold always had the friendliest smile on his face. May all your memories give you comfort thru this time of sorrow. Be sure Joel greeted Harold with a big hug.
Craig & Lynn Tromborg says
We were saddened to hear of Harold’s passing. We think of your family often. Know we will be praying for you.
Kristi Moser says
Gramma….I am so sorry to hear you lost your sweetheart but he is pain free & will be waiting for you with open arms when u join him again <3
Kunkel family….I am so honored & blessed to be part of some many of your lives!!
Grandpa always had a smile on his face & a story to share ((:
He was such a kind & caring man with a big heart!
They would come to DQ after church most Sundays….so many great memories of them visiting with my parents from ND-they became such good friends <3
Cherish the wonderful memories of a man with a wonderful life!
Our thoughts & prayers are with you all during this very difficult time!!
With love always,
Steve, Kristi, Sawyer & Sammi Moser
Our Deepest sympathy & prayers to u, Verna & family!!
Love Your friends,
Vernon & Kay Heinle
Julie and Merrick Cromwell says
Merrick and I are so sorry for your loss. Your dad was an amazing man. We are sending our love and our prayers for your family.
Barb Behrens says
Deepest sympathy Verna and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am still in Florida and cannot be at the funeral. Hope many good memories ease your sorrow.
Jim & Linda Schwanke says
So sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. He was our neighbor growing up and since then I always enjoyed visiting with him & Verna when back in the area. He was a special man, and I am glad to have called him a friend. He certainly lived a good long life!!