Richard Conrad Kunkel

Richard C. Kunkel, age 96, of Maple Lake, died peacefully at his home on Thursday, April 18, 2019 with family by his side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at St. Timothy Catholic Church, Maple Lake with Fr. Matthew Northenscold as Celebrant and Fr. John Meyer as Concelebrate. Burial will follow at St. Timothy Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday and from 9:00-10:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Maple Lake. A prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Richard Conrad Kunkel was born August 1, 1922 in Kimball, Minnesota to Mathew and Frances (Wicker) Kunkel. Richard grew up on the farm with his 8 siblings and attended school in Pearl Lake. In 1942, Richard's family relocated to Maple Lake Township on a farm purchased by his father. He worked various jobs in St. Paul and Milwaukee before returning to Maple Lake. On September 10, 1953 Richard was united in marriage to Ruth V. Meemken at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Waite Park, Minnesota. Richard and Ruth raised their 12 children on the farm and continued with the farm operations until 1989 when they retired. In his spare time, Richard enjoyed playing cards, collecting coins and antiques, reading, and stating his opinion about government matters. He had a strong work ethic and took great pride in getting a job done right; he also had a great sense of humor and enjoyed making others laugh. He loved talking with people and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. The most important things to him were his faith and his family. Richard had a special place in his heart for young children and even in advanced age was often seen down on the floor playing with his grandkids.

Richard is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ruth of Maple Lake; children, Mike (Sherry) of Sheridan, WY, Richard E. of Maple Lake, Harlan of Maple Lake, Linda (John) Northenscold of Maple Lake, Joe (Judy) of Ooltewah, TN, Ralph (Jessica) of Glencoe, Duane (Pam) of Norwood, Marvin (Janelle) of Mora, Judy (Troy) Miller of Champlin, and Sharon (Miguel) Lopez of Minneapolis; 24 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; siblings, Arvilla Hopkins of Buffalo, Arnold (Rita) of Plymouth, and Jerry (Michelle) of Robbinsdale; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members. He was preceded in death by his sons, Frank and Edward, and siblings, Lambert, Emery, and Allen Kunkel, Caroline Lesnar, and Jeanette Guennigsman.

Krista Elsenpeter, Sandy Clemons, and Hannah Kunkel will provide music for the service. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Maple Lake.

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