Darlene Selma Kunkel

Darlene Selma (Johnson) Kunkel was born on April 8, 1928 to Albert and Linnea Johnson on the family farm in rural Odin, MN. Darlene married August Kunkel on June 14, 1946. Darlene was known as a great rock of strength to her family. She and her husband August celebrated 56 years of marriage before his passing in February 2001. Darlene was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. Along with raising their 7 surviving children, she and August had numerous foster children of all abilities. She is known for always being ready to lend a hand, no one around her ever went hungry. Her homemade buns and ham sandwiches are legendary throughout her family, and the smile that came with them will forever be missed. Her daughters-in-law are still trying to replicate her potato salad. During her lifetime Darlene had several businesses, including her favorite pastime, a craft shop in Mountain Lake. If Darlene was sitting in her chair, she had yarn and a crochet hook in hand! Many hours were spent getting ready for craft shows, making dolls, doll clothes and afghans for her grandchildren. Family was very important to Darlene. One of her greatest joys was time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved getting pictures of them all, and she loved talking about them even more. Her church was a great comfort to her. Her faith was deep, and a good example to the rest of us. Darlene Selma Kunkel, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and life-long resident of Mt. Lake area passed away in the evening of Wednesday, January 25th. She was 88. Darlene is survived by her children, LaVonne Van Zee of Willmar, Russell (Nance) Kunkel of Blackduck, Sharon (Craig) Lipinski of Proctor, Rebecca Kunkel of Mountain Lake, Ron Kunkel of Windom; daughter-in-law, Judy Kunkel of Sleepy Eye; siblings, Leland Johnson, Ardella (David) Nelson, Lester (Judy) Johnson; sisters-in-law, Kathy Johnson, Lenora Kunkel, Hertha Holland, Augusta Heintzelman, Doris Kunkel, Laura Blanshan; 23 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, August Kunkel; sons, Robert, Randy, Ricky and Allen Kunkel; her parents; brothers, Verne and George Johnson, and sister, Lorraine Sandberg. Visitation 1 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Sunday, January 29, 2017 Sturm Funeral Home, Mountain Lake Chapel 420 - 10th St. N. Mtn. Lake, Minnesota, United States 56159 Visitation 2 9:00 am - 10:00 am Monday, January 30, 2017 Trinity Lutheran Church-Mountain Lake 1418 - 2nd Avenue Mountain Lake, Minnesota, United States 56159 Service Information 10:00 am Monday, January 30, 2017 Trinity Lutheran Church-Mountain Lake 1418 - 2nd Avenue Mountain Lake, Minnesota, United States 56159 Interment Information Mountain Lake City Cemetery 10th St. N at Midway Rd Mountain Lake, Minnesota, United States 56159 Reception A luncheon will take place at the church immediately following interment.