Edward Henry Kunkel

Edward Henry Kunkel was born on December 15, 1881, on the Kunkel farm east of Dyersville, Iowa, the fifth of seven children born to Frank and Margaret (Gerken) Kunkel. The family moved to Dyersville several years thereafter. His siblings were William, Barbara, Anna, Amelia, Margaret "Meta", and Paula. Their aunt Sophia Gerken, Margaret's younger sister, joined the household, as Sophia, at age thirteen, had gone to live with the Kunkels to housekeep after Herman Gerken, Margaret's and Sophia's father, died in 1875. The family moved into Dyersville circa 1887. Margaret Kunkel died in 1896, and Sophia had continued on in the household, after having helped the family out during the illness that led to her sister's death. Subsequently, in 1900, Frank Kunkel married Sophia Gerken, and Sophia, who had been acting as a second mother for many years to the children, was now their stepmother.

Edward Kunkel was educated in St. Francis school in Dyersville and also attended the college. He followed the trade of painter to some extent during vacation days.

DEATH OF EDW. KUNKEL.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Kunkel Called to His Reward After a Lingering Illness.
The many friends of the family in this vicinity of Dyersville were pained Tuesday morning to hear of the death of Edward Kunkel, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kunkel, which occurred at 5:30 o'clock that morning, February 7, 1905, at the age of 23 years. Deceased had been sick for some time, and although death was ultimately expected, all that medical aid could do was summoned and every hope was held out for a change for the better. The cause of his demise was a bone disease, from which he had suffered for a number of years. About a year ago he underwent an operation at Chicago in which a leg was amputated in an effort to check the disease, and for some time all signs were very satisfactory. About six weeks ago he received another attack with results stated above.

Death in all stages of life is sad but regret is most keenly felt in the passing away of a noble life in youth. Ed was one of the best young men of our city. He was of true and noble character and in his presence there was that air of pleasantness that made his companionship sought by his numerous friends. He was a member of St. Joseph's Court No. 500, Catholic Order of Foresters, of Dyersville.

He was survived by his parents, one brother, Rev. Father Wm. Kunkel of Nashua, Iowa, and five sisters, Barbara, Anna, Amelia, Meta, and Paula, who have the sympathy of their many friends in their sad bereavement.

The funeral took place Friday morning, February 10, 1905, at 9:30 o'clock. The C.O.F. and the pupils of St. Francis school attended in a body. Solemn requiem mass was said by Rev. Father Kunkel, assisted by Very Rev. Father Heer and Rev. Schillmoeller. Interment was in St. Francis Cemetery at Dyersville.

Sources include, primarily, Edward Kunkel's obituary from the Dyersville Commercial.

© 2002 Tom Larson P.O. Box 141 Peosta, IA 52068-0141 http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~tdlarson/gerken/kunkel/edward.htm Last revised November 20, 2002.