Obituary of Josephine Kunkel

KUNKEL - Mrs. Josephine Kunkel, beloved wife of Arthur Kunkel passed away on Sunday, March 7, 2010 at Esterhazy, Saskatchewan. Josephine Agatha Kunkel born January 12, 1926 at Lemberg, Saskatchewan. Josie leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband Arthur Kunkel, daughter Sharon Fehr (Norm) and sons Wayne Kunkel (Josie), Lyle Kunkel (Wendy), Darcy Kunkel, Carey Kunkel (Linda) & Dallas Kunkel, grandchildren: Chris Fehr (Ellie), Cameron Fehr (Jennifer), Danette Kunkel Payne (Jason), Kellie Kunkel (Rudy), Matt Kunkel, Nathan Kunkel, Jason Kunkel (Jamie), Davis Kunkel, Amanda Kunkel, Derek Kunkel, Jeremy Kunkel (Chelsea), step grandchildren, Melissa Welford (Mike), Cheryl Laxton, Arron Laxton, great-grandchildren, Tristan Fehr, Nicholas Payne, Kayleigh Payne, Lena Payne, Lucas Kunkel Cantu, Jaxen Kunkel, Jaida Kunkel, Shelby Kunkel, Donovan Kunkel & great step grandchild, Madison Welford. Also remembering Josie will be her sister Ida Duchek, sister in laws Francis Zimmer, Betty Zimmer, Eleanor Bender, Gertie Johnson (Darrell) brother in laws, Mike Tymura, Curt Kunkel (Mary), Bill Kunkel (Elaine) as well as numerous nieces, nephew 's, relatives and friends. Josie was predeceased by her parents Frank & Maria (nee Rottmeier) Zimmer, brothers August, John, Charles, Frank, sisters Elizabeth, Margaret, Aggie, Mary, & Ann in infancy & grandson Davis Lawrence Kunkel in infancy. Josie received her schooling at Lemberg and the Kimbrae District in Saskatchewan. She worked in Toronto for a short period of time and later worked at the Grey Nuns Hospital (Pasqua Hospital) in Regina, the Regina Airport, and Burns Meats. Josie met and married Arthur Kunkel in December, 1948 and started farming in the Atwater District. In 1957 they decided to move to Ontario to start a new way of life. Missing family and having the opportunity to move back to Saskatchewan, they did so in 1961. In 1963 they built a new home in Esterhazy, Sk and this is where they would stay. Throughout the years Josie sold Avon, worked for Home Care and St. Anthony's Hospital where she stayed until her retirement. Josie loved to travel and had the opportunity to visit friends in New Brunswick, travel to Hawaii, Vancouver Island, and a number of the U.S. States. She also loved camping; she and Art would spend their summers in the Fairmont Hot Springs area. This was where family gatherings would happen and great times were had and now precious moments to remember. Josie was dedicated and committed to her family and there was nothing she wouldn't do for them or anyone for that matter. She would quietly help others when in need and never expected anything in return. She had a heart of gold and always had empathy for others who were struggling and going through difficult times. During her illness she was a real inspiration to her family and all of those around her. The funeral service was held on Friday, March 12, 2010 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Esterhazy with Pastor Robert Moss of Esterhazy Baptist Church officiating. The organist, Edna Paulson led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Amazing Grace", "How Great Thou Art" and "What a Friend We Have in Jesus". The scripture readers were Danette Kunkel Payne and Amanda Kunkel. The soloist, Jennifer Fehr sang the selection, "It Is Well With My Soul". Tributes and Words of Remembrance were shared by Carey Kunkel, Wayne Kunkel, Sharon Fehr and Nicholas Payne. Words of Thanks were expressed by Norm Fehr. Serving as ushers at the service were Debbie Rausch & Robert Zimmer. Pall Bearers were Cameron Fehr, Nathan Kunkel, Jason Kunkel, Derek Kunkel,Jeremy Kunkel and Jason Payne. Honourary pall bearers were Chris Fehr, Matthew Kunkel, Kellie Kunkel and Davis Kunkel. Darcy and Dallas Kunkel served as urn bearers. The interment took place in the Garden of Memories at Yorkton Memorial Gardens. Memorials in memory of Josephine may be made to St. Anthony's Hospital, Esterhazy. Condolences to the family can be emailed to baileysfuneralhome@sasktel.net Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Friday, March 12th, 2010 11:00am, Redeemer Lutheran Church Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens