Harold C. Kunkel

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.