Margaret Gerken and Frank Kunkel
Sophia Gerken and Frank Kunkel

Margaret Gerken was born on December 24, 1851, at New Vienna, Iowa. She was the second of eight children born to Herman and Mary Catherine (Schulte) Gerken, and she was the first of the Gerkens born on American soil.

Margaret Gerken marries Frank Kunkel.
On June 8, 1875, Miss Margaret Gerken and Mr. Frank Kunkel were united in marriage, the nuptial event taking place in St. Francis Church, with the Reverend Father Anton Kortenkamp officiating. After their marriage they took up residence on a farm east of Dyersville and resided there for several years before moving into Dyersville proper. The farm was later owned by Mr. George Nadermann.

Frank Kunkel

Frank Kunkel.
Mr. Frank Anton Kunkel was born on August 10th, in the year 1850, in Neuhnetten, Bavaria, Germany, to Andreas and Barbara (Oeth) Kunkel. [His obituary in the Dyersville Commercial gave his birth date as August 16; Dyersville: Its History and Its People listed it as August 10.] At the age of six years he emigrated to this country with his parents, and they settled in Grant County, Wisconsin, the place being Menominee. After living there for six years, he came to Iowa with his folks, and they settled on a farm about three miles east of Dyersville. He grew to young manhood in this vicinity and was educated in the rural and Xavier high school.

Herman Gerken, Margaret's father, died just a month after her marriage to Frank Kunkel, and in his will Herman Gerken bequeathed her the sum of one thousand dollars, one midling cow, one heifer two years old, the table, six chairs, the bedstead, and the bureau.

Born to Frank and Margaret (Gerken) Kunkel were seven children, all at Dyersville, Iowa:

• William A. Kunkel, born August 2, 1876. He was ordained a priest in the Catholic church on December 21, 1901, at Montreal, and offered his first Mass on December 26, 1901, at Dyersville, Iowa. He served parishes at Davenport, Muscatine, Nashua, South Garryowen, Raymond, Norway, and Maquoketa, all in Iowa. The Reverend William A. Kunkel died on March 5, 1951, at Maquoketa.

• Marie Barbara Kunkel, born December 30, 1877. Barbara taught school in Iowa and Texas. She married J.W. "Jake" Keffeler, on November 21, 1916, at St. Francis Church in Dyersville, Iowa. Jake and Barbara Keffeler lived at Stoneville, South Dakota. Barbara (Kunkel) Keffeler died on January 26, 1939, and she was buried in Dyersville, Iowa.

• Anna Maria Catherine Kunkel, born January 22, 1880. She married Dominic J. Keffeler on August 28, 1907, at St. Francis Xavier Church in Dyersville, Iowa, where they continued to live. Born to them were Margaret, Mary Jane, Herbert, and Edward. Anna (Kunkel) Keffeler died on July 28, 1945, at Dyersville.

• Edward Henry Kunkel, born December 15, 1881. He lived at Dyersville, Iowa. He died on February 7, 1905.

• Amelia Kunkel, born January 5, 1884. She married Edward Ament, on January 28, 1908, at St. Francis Xavier Church in Dyersville, Iowa, where they continued to reside. Born to them were Arthur, Urban, Robert, George, Grace, and Margaret. Edward Ament died on April 13, 1946. Amelia (Kunkel) Ament died on May 11, 1946.

• Margaret "Meta" Ellenora Elise Kunkel, born April 9, 1885. She married Charles Beckman on October 10, 1910, at St. Francis Xavier Church in Dyersville, Iowa, where they continued to reside. Meta (Kunkel) Beckman died on October 22, 1960, at a Manchester, Iowa, hospital. Her husband preceded her in death.

• Paula Kunkel, born April 2, 1888. She served as housekeeper for the Rt. Rev. Msgr. M. J. Thiltgen for over forty years. Paula Kunkel died on January 25, 1959, and was buried at Dyersville, Iowa.

The Kunkel household in 1880.
At the time of the 1880 U.S. Census, the Kunkel household consisted of Frank, age 29, occupation farmer, and Margareth Kunkel, age 27, occupation keeping house; their first three children, William, age 3, Barbara, age 2, and Anny M., age 5 months; Sophia Gerken, age 19, whose occupation was listed as "House Work"; and Andrew Kunkel, a widower, age 71, born in Bavaria. Sophia Gerken, Margaret's sister, was 13 years old when their father died in 1875, and now had gone to housekeep with the Kunkels. Andrew Kunkel was Frank's father.

Death of Margaret (Gerken) Kunkel.
The happy family ties were broken when Mrs. Margaretha Kunkel, wife of Mr. Frank Kunkel, died at the family residence in Dyersville on Saturday, September 19, 1896, after a long spell of suffering. Everything that human skill could do to prolong her life proved in vain. Deceased was 44 years, 8 months, and 26 days old.

She is survived by her husband and seven children, whose names are William, Barbara, Anna, Edward, Amelia, Margaret, and Paula. She is also survived by three brothers, William, Henry, and Louis, of this vicinity, and by three sisters, Mrs. Mary Kerkhoff, Mrs. Carolina Steger, and Miss Sophia.

She was a thorough Christian lady, a devout Catholic, and a devoted wife and mother. Her early death has cast a deep sorrow over our community, and all extend their heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved father and children.

The funeral took place Tuesday morning, September 22, 1896, and was attended by the St. Francis and Schueizen societies, and a large number of friends and relatives from far and near.

Solemn requiem mass for the repose of her soul was celebrated at St. Francis Church, at which Rev. Father Pape, a cousin of the deceased, was celebrant, assisted by Rev. Father Engels as deacon and Rev. Father Knaeppel as subdeacon, after which her earthly remains were laid to rest at St. Francis Cemetery. May she rest in peace.

Sophia (Gerken) Kunkel

Card of Thanks.
We take this method in extending our sincere thanks to our friends and neighbors for their kind assistance during the sickness and death of our beloved wife and mother.
MR. F. KUNKEL & CHILDREN.

The Kunkel household in 1900.
According to the 1900 U.S. Census, the Kunkel household consisted of Frank, occupation of horse breeder; his children William, painter-houses; Barbara, teacher; Anna, dressmaker; Edward, painter-houses; Amelia, Metha, and Paula, at school; his ister-in-law, Sophia Gerken, dressmaker; and his brother-in-law, Louis Gerken, day-laborer.

Frank Kunkel marries Sophia Gerken.
Four years after Margaret (Gerken) Kunkel's death, Frank Kunkel married Sophia Gerken, his deceased wife's younger sister, who had taken to housekeeping with the Kunkels after their father's death in 1875 and was there to assist them during Margaret's illness.

Sophia Gerken was born at New Vienna, Iowa, on October 1, 1861, the seventh of eight children born to Herman and Mary Catherine (Schulte) Gerken. Sophie spent her youthful days on the old homestead, where she grew to womanhood.

Sophie was only seven years old when her mother died in 1869, and not quite fourteen years old when her father died in 1875. She received an inheritance of one thousand dollars from her father. She continued living on the homestead for a time, which her brother William now owned. Later Sophie went to live with her sister Margaret's family, the Kunkels, presumably to help with the children and the housework while also caring for her sister when her health began to fail. Following Margaret's death, her widower took Sophia for his wife.

Marriage of Sophia Gerken and Frank Kunkel.
Mr. Frank Kunkel and Miss Sophia Gerken were united in marriage at St. Francis Church last Wednesday morning, November 28, 1900, the Very Rev. Father George W. Heer officiating. Mr. Wm. Gerken was the groomsman and Miss Barbara Kunkel was the bridesmaid.

A pleasant reception was held to which only the nearest neighbors and relatives were invited.

The bride and groom are well known in Dyersville and vicinity and are highly respected. Their legion of friends join the COMMERCIAL scribe in wishing continuously happy days.

MRS. FRANK KUNKEL ANSWERS SUMMONS
Well Known Resident Passed Away Saturday Afternoon, After Lingering Illness.

Mrs. Frank Kunkel departed this life at the family home in Dyersville, Iowa, last Saturday afternoon, September 11, 1909, about 5 o'clock. Her last and fatal illness began about two years ago, and while every effort of medical skill and efficient care was provided to bring her to her former health, it seemed that Divine Providence had ordained it to be otherwise, and the soul of this good woman was transferred to that "bourne from whence no traveler returns." Mrs. Kunkel's maiden name was Sophia Gerken, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gerken, deceased, of New Vienna. She was born at New Vienna, October 1, 1861, and spent her entire life in this vicinity. She was married to Frank Kunkel, November 28, 1900, who with the following step-children survive her: Rev. Wm. Kunkel of Nashua; Anna, Mrs. D. Keffeler of Waukon; Mrs. Ed Ament of Dyersville; Barbara, Meta, and Paula at home. She is also survived by two sisters: Mrs. Mary Kerkhoff of Petersburg, Mrs. Michael Steger of Norcross, Minnesota, and three brothers: Henry Gerken of New Vienna, Wm. and Louis of Dyersville. A sister, Mrs. Frank Kunkel, departed this life about twelve years ago. The funeral was held from her late home on Tuesday morning to St. Francis Church, where solemn requiem mass was celebrated by Rev. Wm. Kunkel, assisted by Rev. F.W. Pape of New Vienna, as deacon; Rev. A. Thier, D.D., of Dubuque, as sub-deacon, Rev. J. Sheehy of Greene, as master of ceremonies. Rev. Ambrosy preached an eloquent sermon, paying a glowing tribute to the life and character of the departed. In the sanctuary were Revs. Henry Rohlmann, Anton Woerdehoff of Dubuque; Henry Forkenbrock of Waterloo; Very Rev. Theo Warning and Rev. Nacke of this city. The interment was in the family lot in St. Francis Cemetery. Six nephews of the deceased acted as pallbearers. They were Alphonse Kerkhoff of Petersburg; Frank, William, and Henry Gerken of Dyersville; Hubert Gerken of Adrian, Minnesota; and Andrew Kunkel of LeMars. Louis Gerken presided at the organ. Mrs. Kunkel was a woman of pure heart, and kind and gentle impulses. She had only good words and good thoughts for all her fellow creatures and therefore it is that there is deep and sincere sorrow among all who enjoyed her acquaintances, and the tenderest feelings of sympathy for the bereaved husband and children. She was a devout Christian woman and relied with the exemplary confidence and trust in the saving graces of her religious faith and her womanly career was one eminently worthy in character and example. She had been called to her reward in her 48th year. Among the relatives in attendance at the obsequies were Messrs. Eugene Kunkel and Frank Lange of West Dubuque; Mrs. C. Gerken and daughter Mrs. George Ellwanger, Dubuque; Albert Rohling of Dubuque; Charles Kunkel of Kieler, Wisconsin; M. Alderson, Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Mayos of Dubuque; Mike and Val. Wiederholt, Sinsinawa Mound; Mrs. Joe Salenting and Andrew Kunkel of LeMars; Mrs. Mike Steger, of Norcross, Minnesota; Mrs. Mary Kerkhoff of Petersburg; Mr. and Mrs. D. Keffler, Waukon; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gerken and family and Mr. and Mrs. F.X. Gerken of New Vienna.

The people of this city and vicinity were stricken with sorrow when they learned the news of the death of Mrs. Frank Kunkel née Sophia Gerken, which occurred at the family home in East Dyersville Saturday afternoon, September 11, 1909. Mrs. Kunkel had been ill for some time, but her condition had not become serious until a few days prior to her death. She was forty-eight years of age. Surviving her besides her husband are seven stepchildren, Rev. Father Wm. Kunkel of Nashua, Iowa; Barbara of this city; Mrs. D. J. (Anna) Keffeler, Waukon; Mrs. Edw. (Amelia) Ament, Dyersville; and Meta and Paula of Dyersville. She is also survived by her brothers, William Gerken and Louis Gerken of Dyersville; Henry of New Vienna; and two sisters, Mrs. Mary Kerkhoff, Petersburg; and Mrs. Mike (Caroline) Steger of Norcross, Minnesota. Mrs. Kunkel's life was one of noble ideas and true womanhood. She was an affectionate and devoted wife, tender and considerate mother, and a tried and true neighbor. Going into a home where children had been bereft of mother, her life was truly a noble one. The affectionate ties of the family were woven around her, and when death loosened the clasp of the loving hand, the sweetness of life seemed to have faded from the hearts of the children and husband, but from the grave springs the hope of eternal reunion. Notwithstanding the bad condition of the weather, a large concourse of neighbors and friends were present at the funeral to pay tribute to the deceased. The funeral was held Tuesday morning to St. Francis Church, where solemn requiem mass was offered at 9:30 o'clock, Rev. Father Wm. Kunkel, son of the deceased was celebrant; Rev. Father Pape of New Vienna, a relative, was sub-deacon; and Rev. J. Sheehy, of Greene, Iowa, was master of ceremonies. Rev. Ambrosey of this city delivered a sermon in which he paid eloquent tribute to the life of the departed. In the sanctuary were the Reverends Woerdehoff of Dubuque, Rohlmann of Dubuque, Warning and Nacke of Dyersville. The pallbearers were six nephews of the deceased, Alphonse Kerkhoff of Petersburg; Frank, Henry, and William Gerken of Dyersville; Hubert Gerken of Adrian, Minnesota; Andrew Kunkel of Le Mars. Louis Gerken, another nephew, presided at the organ during the requiem mass. The St. Francis Branch of the R.C.M.P.S., of Iowa, of which Mr. Kunkel is a member, attended in a body. Among those in attendance from other towns were Mr. Eugene Kunkel, Dubuque; Chas. Kunkel, Kieler, Wis.; Mike Wiederholt, Dubuque; Frank Lange, Dubuque; Val. Wiederholt, Hazel Green, Wis.; Mrs. Albert Ruhland, Dubuque; Mrs. C. H. Gerken, Mrs. Geo. Ellwanger, Dubuque; Mrs. John Salenting, Lemars, Ia.; Mr. Hubert Gerken, Adrian, Minnesota; Mrs. Michael Steger, Norcross, Minn.; Mrs. M. J. Knippel, Dubuque.

MR. FRANK KUNKEL, A PIONEER RESIDENT OF DYERSVILLE, DEAD
PASSED AWAY AT THE HOME OF HIS DAUGHTER SATURDAY.
Was the Father of Rev. Wm. A. Kunkel of Norway. Funeral Tuesday.
Death claimed one of Dyersville's well known and highly esteemed citizens in the person of Mr. Frank Kunkel, which occurred at the home of his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. D. J. Keffeler, 419 East Victoria Street, Saturday morning, January 18, 1936, at 10:05 o'clock.

The children surviving him are Rev. Father William A. Kunkel, pastor of St. Michael's Parish, Norway, Iowa; Barbara, Mrs. J. W. Keffeler of Stoneville, South Dak.; Anna, Mrs. D. J. Keffeler; Amelia, Mrs. Edw. Ament; Mrs. Meta Beckmann, all of this city; and Miss Paula Kunkel of Ossian, Ia. One son, Edward, preceded him in death on February 7, 1905. Mr. Kunkel is the last member of his family, all of his sisters and brothers having preceded him in death.

The funeral took place Tuesday morning, January 21, 1936, from the Lippert Funeral Home to St. Francis Church at 9:30 o'clock where solemn requiem high mass was sung for the repose of his soul by his son Rev. Father William A. Kunkel, assisted by Rev. Father N. U. Keffeler of Watkins, Iowa, as deacon; Fr. Thiltgen of Ossian as subdeacon; and Rev. H. J. Dunkel of Earlville as master of ceremonies. His Excellency, Archbishop Gerken of Santa Fe, New Mexico, nephew of the deceased, was unable to attend the funeral.

The Rev. Clergy present in the sanctuary were Rt. Rev. Monsignor Thier, Dubuque; Revs. Fathers P. J. Coffey, Wm. Mann, Farley; T. Rooney, J. Delay of Cascade; J. H. Schilmoeller, Worthington; H. Reinert of New Vienna; J. H. Hagemann, Petersburg; Geo. A. Hauck, Dubuque; M. Meyerhofer, Epworth; D. Peters, Cedar Rapids; J. B. Herbers, A. A. Halbach, and V. T. Hovermann.

After Mass the funeral cortege wended its way to St. Francis cemetery, where his earthly remains were laid to rest in the family lot. Father Kunkel gave the absolution at the graveside and was assisted by the deacon and sub-deacon of the Mass. The pallbearers were six of his grandsons: Messrs. Urban and Robert Ament, Edward and Herbert Keffeler, Paul and Mark Beckman.

The death of Mr. Kunkel removes from our midst one of the sturdy pioneers. His life covered a span of years that made interesting history for Dyersville, coming to Dyersville when it was a small trading point. He was a man of excellent character, upright and honest and sincere of purpose, and he became one of Dyersville's most highly esteemed citizens. He was widely known and had countless friends who greatly regret his demise. He was always devoted to the home circle. Kindness and love were dominant traits in the sacred precincts of his home, and it was there he stood revealed as an ideal father, the wise counselor, and friend. Open-hearted and warmly hospitable, his loyalty, true spirit, and admirable qualities will ever remain fresh in the memory of all who knew him.

Mr. Kunkel had the extreme and rare pleasure of seeing one of his sons, the eldest of the children, Rev. Father William A. Kunkel, consecrate his life in the service of the Lord. Father Kunkel was present at the bedside of his father when he passed away well prepared to meet his Maker. Heartfelt sympathy is extended to those left to mourn his loss.

Sources include articles and obituaries from the Dyersville Commercial, Dyersville: Its History and Its People, and Dubuque County Courthouse records. Images of Sophia (Gerken) Kunkel and Frank Kunkel were furnished by Sheila Young.

© 2000-09 Tom Larson P.O. Box 141 Peosta, IA 52068-0141 http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~tdlarson/gerken/kunkel/index.htm Last revised February 21, 2009.