Neal F Kunke, 82, of Clearwater, Florida will have his memorial services held at St Michael the Archangel Catholic Church located at (2281 State Road 580, Clearwater, FL 33763) commencing at 10:00am on Friday, May 20, 2016. Father Theodore Costello and the United States Army Military funeral Honors team will officiate. Burial will follow at a later date (to be announced) at Bay Pines National Cemetery located at 10000 Bay Pines Blvd., Bay Pines, FL 33744.
Neal was a native of Kenosha, WI and a local resident in Florida since 1987 when he and his family moved from Watertown, WI to Clearwater. He was born on March 27 th 1934 and passed away at his residence on May 16th 2016 from cancer while under the care of hospice at his home. While serving in the US Army (during the Korean war), Neal met his wife Elizabeth while stationed at Fort Devens in Massachusetts. They later moved back to Wisconsin where they settled down, started a family while Neal worked at Jockey menswear as a purchasing agent. Neal and Elizabeth soon moved the family to Watertown, WI so they could start their own small business growing and selling various plants. Neal had such a passion for this business that he developed and perfected his own potted soils which were sold to businesses throughout Wisconsin as well as Michigan and Illinois.
Neal Kunke was a member of the St Michael (The Archangel Catholic Church) parish as well as a former member of the Knights of Columbus council # 11295 as well as #1478 where he ascended to the position of Grand Knight. Neal enjoyed dancing with his loving wife Elizabeth, playing cards and golfing with family and friends as well as sharing a good laugh with those close to him. He had a gentle fun loving way about him, raised five children and most importantly, was a man of God.
Neal is survived by his wife (Elizabeth) of 60 years, who resides at their home in Clearwater FL, his sons; Mark Kunke and his wife (Maureen) of Tarpon Springs, FL and Earl Kunke and his wife (Tracie) of Riverview, FL; his daughters, Joanne Lauer of Clearwater, FL and Jennifer Grant and her husband (Geoff) of Reedsburg WI. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Eleanor (Ziech) Kunke; daughter, Mary; and a grandson, Nathan.
The family requests, that in lieu of flowers, to please make a donation to the Knights of Columbus Council # 11295 in the memory of Neal Franklin Kunke.
Veterans Funeral Care
727-524-9202
To Betsy and family we are so sorry to hear of the loss of Neal – he was a beautiful soul – may God give you peace and strength!
Ray and Kaye Harrington
We are deeply saddened at Neal’s passing. We will always remember him as a kind and joyful man who deeply loved God, his wife, family and Church. We pray that Betsy and family are comforted by precious memories and God’s love.