Le Mars Sentinel, Wednesday, December 15, 2004

Mavis Kunkel, 64, of Remsen, died Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2004, at her home in Remsen after a lengthy illness from cancer.

Mavis Kunkel was born April 12, 1940, at Le Mars, the daughter of Elmer and Melinda (Plathe) Klein.

Mavis was the oldest of 16 children and was raised in the Remsen area and received her education at St. Mary's Catholic School in Remsen from which she graduated in 1958. On Aug. 25, 1958, she married Donald Kunkel at Remsen. They farmed south of town until Don retired in 1994 and they moved into Remsen. Don died Feb. 2, 1996.

Mavis used her talents to create cakes in the Remsen and surrounding area. She also worked at the Hy-Vee Food Store in Le Mars, continuing her decorating abilities. Her hobbies were the hallmark of her abilities. Her quilts, embroidery, and cake decorating were works of art. She loved cooking, especially for her family and friends. Her grandchildren were a treasured part of her life.

She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and the church Guild, Ladies V.F.W. Auxiliary.

Survivors include three sons, Keith and his wife, Jeanene, Mark and his wife, Doris, and Glen, all of Remsen; three daughters and their husbands, Chris and Dave Heuertz of Remsen, Kelli and Leonard Flack and Tricia and Todd Plagman, all of Le Mars; 17 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; four brothers, Elmer and his wife, Jan Klein, Malcolm Klein, Alan and his wife, Loreli Klein, Chuck and his wife, Joan Klein, all of Remsen; eight sisters, Carol and her husband, Don Ruba, Susie and her husband, Al Vaske, Marilyn Treinen and Marlys Ohlendorf, all of Remsen, Nancy and her husband, Rick Loehr of Enid, Okla., Elaine and her husband, Fred Jungers, of Sheldon, Alice and Norma Klein, both of Stafford, Texas; three sisters-in-law, Marlene Klein of Remsen, Gerrianne Olson of Sioux City, Dorothy Kunkel of Remsen.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Tom, Donald, and Dennis Klein; two brothers-in-law, Richard Kunkel and Fred Treinen; one nephew, Bill Kunkel, and her special friend, Steve Roberts.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Remsen with the Rev. Timothy Johnson officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Remsen.

Friends may call anytime after 2 p.m. Thursday at the Fisch Funeral Home in Remsen. There will be a rosary at 3 p.m. by St. Mary's Guild and a vigil prayer service at 7:30 p.m., all at the funeral home.

Casket bearers will be Jason, Ryan, Kent, Kyle and Eric Kunkel and Justin Heuertz.

Honorary bearers will be Jared, Michelle, Mackenzie and Evan Kunkel, Ashley, Jodi and Michael Heuertz, Brittany and Mitchell Flack, Derek and Tanner Gesink and Desirae Plagman.