Julie Kunkel
Dates
August 16, 1953 - September 18, 2023Obituary
Julie Kunkel, 70, of Mitchell, SD, died peacefully Monday, September 18, 2023, at her home in Mitchell. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 AM Thursday, September 21, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Mitchell. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5-7:00 PM at Bittner Funeral Chapel with a 6:30 PM prayer service.
Julie Ann Goodmund was born August 16, 1953 to Roger and Lorna (Winsel) Goodmund in Tyler, MN. Julie grew up in rural Minnesota, where she attended school until graduating in 1971. After graduating, Julie attended Sioux Valley Nursing School. She then met the love of her life, Gary Kunkel, in 1973 at a dance. In May of 1974 Julie finished nursing school with an RN degree and attained her first nursing job at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Shortly thereafter, Gary and Julie were married on September 14, 1974. Julie continued her nursing career up until her retirement at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in August of 2015.
Gary and Julie moved to the family farm in 1976 where they had all three of their children, Joel, Wendy, and Adam. Julie had a passion for family and the outdoors. You could always find her busy with the kids, grandkids, gardening, flowers, fishing, and camping. Julie loved spending time going to the grandkids’ activities, playing games with family and friends, but her and Gary had a love for camping/fishing and going on many adventures together. Along with their adventures, one of these included an active role in supporting the Veterans.
Julie is survived by her husband, Gary; son, Joel (Amy) of Mitchell, SD; daughter, Wendy (Jay) Colomb of Mitchell, SD; son, Adam (Holly) of Sioux Falls, SD; 10 grandchildren: Morgan (Preston) Skinner, Kaleb, Chloe, Wesley, Evan, Kaiden, Sam, Grace, Ellie, and Emilia; in-laws, Richard (Carol), Lavonne, Cheryl, Dale (Gingar); aunts, uncles, several nieces, nephews and cousins, and of course so many friends that she has loved in her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Roger and Lorna Goodmund; brother, Jeff Goodmund; father and mother-in-law, Henry and Fern Kunkel; and brother-in-law, Curtis Kunkel.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Paralyzed Veterans of America (North Central Chapter) www.ncpva.org or 209 Garfield Ave, Sioux Falls SD 57104.
Visitation(s)
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
6:30 PM Prayer Service
Bittner Funeral Chapel
805 W Havens Ave
Mitchell, SD 57301
Service
Thursday, September 21, 2023
10:30 AM
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
1401 W Cedar Ave
Mitchell, SD 57301
So very sorry to hear of Julie's passing. Such a wonderful friend. Sending my prayers for comfort and strength.
Don
May she enjoy the rewards of heaven she so deserves.
To Julie's children: The loss of a mother cannot be replaced, but the love of a mother can never be lost.
We were shocked to hear of Julie's sudden passing, she's a very special lady and will be missed by many.. our thoughts and prayers go out to you and family.