Obituary of Loren Kunkel

Loren Kunkel passed away February 14, 2014 at age 92, just one week shy of his 93rd birthday. He was born February 21, 1921 in Ontario Township, North Dakota to Reinhard and Alice Kunkel. After his growing up years he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII in Europe. He married Mabel June Stewart June 9, 1943 in Salt Lake City, Utah. They celebrated their 70th anniversary in 2013. Migrating west after the war found them in Eugene, Oregon. Loren worked for L.N. Miller Dehydrator as a machinist and welder for 10 years and for 15 years he worked for U.S. Plywood, returning to L.N. Miller Dehydrator until his retirement in 1984. Blessed with a green thumb and the ability to putter, he grew beautiful vegetable gardens and flowers and especially loved his roses. He took special pride in the cabin he built at LaPine, OR., spending many happy sunny days there with Mabel. Loren was master chef of many a holiday turkey over the years and enjoyed cooking as well as telling others how! Favorite times were family gatherings and there were many. His little dogs Pepe and Missy gave him much joy. He also has spent the last years taking loving, patient care of Mabel during her struggles with Alzheimers. He is survived by wife Mabel and three children, Lorna Harbert (Jim), Dennis Kunkel (Jan), Marcella Hurley (Bob) all of Eugene, 6 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren as well as half-siblings Richard Kunkel and Bonny Dykhoff of North Dakota. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother V. Gerald Kunkel, half-siblings Bruce Kunkel and Donna Lind and grandaughter Emma Kunkel. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, February 22, at Lane Memorial Gardens, 5300 W. 11th, Eugene. Viewing will be prior to the service from 12:30 until 2:00 P.M. Burial to follow. The family would like to express our deepest "Thank You" to the staff at Quail Park Memory Care where Loren has resided the past 3 years with Mabel. A special Thanks also to Sacred Heart Hospice for all your help. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be sent to Sacred Heart Hospice, Meals on Wheels or a charity of your choice .