Joseph R. Kunesh

Joseph R. Kunesh, 91, was welcomed into the glorious kingdom of heaven on Thursday morning, January 9, 2014, at a local care facility. He was born March 28, 1922, in Milwaukee. Joe enlisted in the U.S. Navy on December 14, 1942, and served in the Pacific as a Pharmacist's Mate. He was honorably discharged on February 6, 1946. Joe married the love of his life, Marion “Mary” Verheyen on June 22, 1946, at St. Philip the Apostle Church. Their marriage was blessed with three children and he also enjoyed many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Joe was employed as a printer at Fort Howard Paper Mill until his retirement. During retirement he was an avid golfer, bowler, and loved to play cards. Joe and Mary took many fishing vacations. He also enjoyed hunting with his two boys. Joe loved his garden and sharing his bounty with family and friends. Joe was a devoted Packers fan, and he and Mary attended the home games for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Marion, of 67 years; three children and their spouses, Gary (Barbara) Kunesh, Joseph, Jr. (Wendy) Kunesh, and Karen (Roger) Klapper; grandchildren, Annette, Gary, Jr. Ryan (Kelly), Justin (Mary Beth), Ashley Kunesh, Emilie (Jason) Harr, Erin Klapper (significant other, Bee), and Alison Klapper; great-grandchildren, Sebastian, Simon, Gisela, Reese, Tyson, and Omi and two more on the way; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Florence Gardipee, Nola (Fabian) Rentmeester, Bernie (Elaine), Cyril (Mary), Darrell (fiancee’ Margene) Verheyen, Eileen (Lloyd) Sigl, Betty, Delores, Nancy Verheyen, and Jim Devroy; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; Elmer (Betty), Alvin (Elaine), John, Jr., Delores, Harold (Lil), Clayton, Clifford (Joanne), and Cletus Verheyen, Judy Devroy, Evelyn (Bud) Guerts, Raymond, Juleen (Bernie) Scray, and Carl Gardipee.

Visitation at MALCORE (East) Funeral Home, University Avenue at Baird Street, Monday, from 1pm until the time of the funeral. Funeral Mass 4pm Monday at Saints Peter and Paul Church with the Rev. Anthony V. Cirignani, OFM officiating with military honors to follow. Entombment in Allouez Chapel Mausoleum.