Karen Margarite Kunkel, beloved wife of Bob, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, in Lethbridge on January 24, 2019 at the age of 74 years.
Karen was born in High River on February 10, 1944. She was the first child of Bill and Bettie Beckner. Karen was raised at Majorville, east of Milo where she loved to ride horses. She was married at a young age to Bob Kunkel and moved to a farm at Lomond. She and Bob shared everything from farm work to house work.
Karen said the best years were when the kids were in hockey and figure skating in the winter and 4-H in the summer. The families of all the children involved came to all the events and everyone bonded.
After Karen and Bob sold the farm they travelled some and Karen especially liked cruises.
Karen had a sympathetic ear. If anyone needed someone to talk to she was willing to listen. Sometimes she gave advice but mostly just let them get it off their chest.
Karen is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Bob Kunkel. Her two children Dan Kunkel (Sherry) and Christine Nadobny (Barry). Her 6 grandchildren – Dana, Blaine, William, Cody, Dustin and Stephanie, two great grandchildren, two brothers and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Karen was predeceased by her parents Bill and Bettie Beckner of Milo.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 1:30 pm at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd (2406 11 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB).
In lieu of flowers, any tributes in Karen’s memory can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association (3105 – 16 Ave N, Lethbridge, AB T1H 5E8) OR S.T.A.R.S. (1441 Aviation Park NE, Box 570, Calgary, AB T2E 8M7).
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
Bob, Dan, Chris and families
Our sincerest sympathy on your loss, We were sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. May your memories of Karen bring you comfort during this sad time
Stan and Helen Ann
Our sympathy goes to Bob and family. We had a fine time at the Edmonton Rodeo some time ago. You are in our thoughts.
We were sorry to hear of your loss. Our sincere sympathy to you Bob and all the family.
Dan, Sherry and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss.
Many kind regards,
Our thoughts are with you at this time Bob, Dan, Christine and family. Karen had such a kind and welcoming heart. We will remember her with love.
Karen is in my thoughts today, so many fun memories of our days growing up. She was always great at keeping in touch. With my sympathies to Bob and family.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family. May she rest in peace.
To Bob and Chris and Dan and families. Our sympathies and thoughts are with you in the passing of Karen. She was a great lady and I’ll always remember her for her humor and her wonderful laugh. Keep her in your heart through beautiful memories. Hugs Myrna (McLean) & Bob Schmidt
Our sincere sympathies go out to Bob and all of the family on your loss of Karen. She was such a happy person, and was always thinking of others. She will be missed by so many, and never forgotten.
Our thoughts are with you at this time Bob, Dan, Christine and family. Karen was a great lady. I have many fond memories of her. I was always mesmerized at how her and Bob could dance…She was so light on her feet. Karen knew you where ever you might run into to her. Always had such a beautiful smile. Unfortunately, I cannot make the service but I will be thinking of you all. Let memories help you to get through this difficult time. She will be missed!
My kid sister Bonnie phoned this morning to tell me this. My sympathies and prayers go out to Bob, Dan, Christine and their families. When I was president of our local Figure Skating Club in Fort Smith, NWT, I attended a Skate-In weekend in Caroline, Alberta and was surprised to learn that Lomond had a figure skating club. Why not? And Karen was a part of it.
I appreciate that Karen and Bob always attended special events in my family’s life and I have been a long time friend of the Kunkel family. R.I.P. Karen.
Bob, May the good memories of the 55 years you had together be sufficient to carry you through in the days and years ahead. My love, hugs and blessings, Eileen
My thought’s and prayers are with Bob, Dan, Christine and families as you celebrate Karen’s life today. She will be missed by so many, we all have our special memories of Karen. Sorry I can’t be with you today to share those memories. God Bless!
Bob and family, I was so sorry to hear of Karen,s passing. She was always so friendly and I enjoyed visiting with her. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Brenda McMorris
I’m really sorry for your loss Bobby. I remember many great visits.
Our condolences, thoughts and prayers are with you all on the passing of Karen. A wife, mother, grandma and friend to many. She will be dearly missed
Many sympathies to the Kunkel family, so sorry for your loss, sincerely Myrtle Silberngel
My deepest sympathy going out to Bob, Dan ,Christine, and the Kunkel family also to John Beckner and Peter Beckner and family , from auntie Sylvia Sutherland . My thoughts and prayers are with you all on the passing of Karen’
My sincere sympathy to Bob, Dan and Sherry, Christine and Barry, and all their families on Karen’s passing. Karen was a friend and close neighbor for many years. She and Bob were always an important part of our church, school. and community. I appreciated her for her frankness, her cheerfulness, and her willingness to step in and “lend a hand” whenever and where ever it was needed. I remember well the pride she took in her family, her always carefully tended yard, and her appearance. Karen always looked good. She will be missed!
Bob , I was a member of Lady Luck and that is how I met Karen. She and I had many laughs during those years and just wanted to let you and your family know I am thinking of you all. Janice Ross
So sorry to hear of Karens,s passing. She was such a nice lady. Sendind Bob and family condolences and we will remember Karen in our thoughts.
So sorry to hear of Karens passing. She was such a nice lady. Our condolences to Bob and family. Karen will be missed and remembered
in our thoughts.
Our deepest sympathy Bob in the loss of your dear wife Karen.
Sorry to hear the news! Karen and I grew up as neighbours and had fun and got into trouble together! Always a soft spot for her!
My sincere condolences to Bob,Dan,Christine and families. My family and me always enjoyed visits with Karen
Sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathies.
Our thoughts and prayers are going to the family.
Sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. She was such a friendly gal.
Our sincere sympathy for your loss.