Carlyn Emma Kunkel

Carlyn Emma Kunkel
Carlyn Emma Kunkel

Carlyn Emma Kunkel, loving wife and mother of three boys and one granddaughter, passed into the loving arms of Jesus her Lord on Wednesday, November 4th, 2020.  Carlyn was born in Plainview, Texas on August 22nd, 1947 to A. G. and Emma (Boedeker) Bontke.  She was baptized into the Christian faith on October 26th, 1947 at St. Paul Lutheran Church.  She was confirmed in her Christian faith on March 26th, 1961 at St. Paul Lutheran Church.  Carlyn has been a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church for 20 years.

Carlyn went to grade school, middle school, and graduated high school in Kress, Texas in 1965. After high school she attended Draughon’s Business College where she obtained a business certification in 1967.

Carlyn met her future husband, Martin Kunkel, at St. Paul Lutheran Church.  They were married at St. Paul Lutheran Church on March 30th, 1968.  They were blessed (according to her) with three boys – Rodney, Shannon, and Dwain.  They were married for 52 wonderful years.

Carlyn and Martin raised their three sons while farming in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.  After her three sons went off to college, Martin and Carlyn settled in Garden City, KS.  Carlyn started working in the kitchen at Victor Ornelas Elementary school in Garden City to help feed the next generation of kids for 11 years.

She eventually became a paraprofessional educator for learning disabled children at Bushland Elementary outside of Amarillo, Texas.  During this time she discovered learning disabled children are more likely to learn to read by reading to animals as opposed to reading to an adult.  She enrolled in classes to teach her and her dog, Buddy, how to help children read.  For years after Buddy passed away, children in junior high and high school would come up to her and gladly tell her “I wouldn’t have learned to read if it wasn’t for you and Buddy.”  She was very proud of this especially since she had suffered from dyslexia herself.

Carlyn retired in 2017.  But she kept training service dogs.  She loved to take Teddy and then Lucy to the VA, the children’s cancer ward at Northwest Texas Hospital, and other places where her dogs brought some light into people’s lives.

Carlyn was preceded in death by her father, A. G.  She is survived by her mother, Emma, her two sisters, Shirley and Dianna (and Dianna’s husband David Glenn) of Kress, Texas, her husband, Martin, her three sons – Rodney (Overland Park, KS), Shannon (Westmoreland, KS), and Dwain (Overland Park, KS), and her one precious granddaughter, Demi (Canyon).

Carlyn’s funeral will be at Trinity Lutheran Church in Amarillo at 10:30 am on Saturday, November 7, 2020. Burial will follow in the Plainview Cemetery at 2:30 pm. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm, Friday, November 6, 2020, at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

To God be the Glory.

The family would like you to know Carlyn passed away from COVID-19.  We ask all of you to wear your masks and practice safe distancing.

Memorials:

Steaks for Troops/All American Beef Battalion

P.O. Box 458

Ashland, KS 67831

www.steaksfortroops.com

Carlyn and Martin travelled a lot of miles feeding thousands of troops

13 Replies to “Carlyn Emma Kunkel”

  1. Martin, we just learned of your loss of Carlyn and wanted to let you know how sorry we are to hear this. Our condolences to you, her mother, Shirley, Dianna and all the family. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Shirley and G.W. Flatt

  2. I worked with Carlyn in the kitchen at V O, in Garden City, Kansas. She was a hard worker and always had a smile on her face. She will be missed.

  3. I was so saddened to hear of Carlyn’s death. I worked with her at Bushland Elementary. She would come into my classroom (and we loved the days when Buddy would join her!) and smiles lit the eyes of the entire class. Buddy and Mrs. Kunkel were here!!! Several students especially stand out in my mind who benefited from her help, either with reading or with that extra one-on-one assistance that she brought. To see the change in a child who thought he or she could not read yet learned they could, filled my heart with joy. I loved having her in my classroom and my day and spirits were also lifted immensely when she and Buddy came. She was a special person who made a difference in this world. Rest in peace, Carlyn.

  4. Oh Martin I just heard the news! I am so sorry for your great loss. You were two peas in a pod and I know you will sorely miss your sidekick! My condolences to your sons and their families and to Emma, Shirley and Dianna. Carlyn is a precious child of God and now rest in the hands of her creator. May you feel the supernatural comfort and peace from our Heavenly Father as you mourn this loss. Martin I will call you in a few days. God’s richest blessings!

  5. Karen and I express our sincerest condolences on your loss, Martin. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
    John 11:25-26

  6. Dear Martin and Sons. It is with a heavy heart that your Beautiful Carlyn has passed. Our most sincere condolences to each of you. She has always been such a sweet Lady. May she rest in peace and May God grant you all Peace in your hearts

  7. I worked with Carlyn years ago at the ASCS office in Garden City. She was such a caring and kind person. I am so very sorry for your loss.

  8. What a beautiful tribute to this precious soul. I remember her Sunday after Sunday in the pew and always a gentle smile, no matter what. I love the story about the dog and children learning to read, what a beautiful legacy. I’m thankful for saints like Carlyn who were a loving presence in my life growing up. Players for her family as they both grieve and rejoice, celebrating her life.

  9. We had 30 years with Carlyn making homemade sausage, barbecing, celebrating 4th of July and otber holidays. Never a more gracious hostess and special friend. Never a sweeter person did God ever make. We love you and will miss you. Love Bill & Kathy Rogers

  10. My profound sympathy to Martin, Rodney, Shannon and Dwain. I had many pleasant memories of Carolyn. I ask you all to treasure your memories of her. My sympathy. Janelle (mother of Jill, Denise, and John Minet.

  11. To the Kunkel brothers and Dad- we are heartbroken to hear that you had to let her go. Know that she is by your side through all of this. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

  12. Martin, we are so sad to hear of Carlyon’s passing …. you and your family our in our thoughts and prayers…
    Dawn and Ronnie McCulloch

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