Obituary for Donna M. Kunkel
Donna M. Kunkel (Pagenkopf), of Arlington Heights, IL, passed away peacefully on May 17,
2019, at the age of 91 surrounded by family in Pittsford, New York. She was born on March 2,
1928, in St. Clair, Minnesota to Abbie {Thielman) and Earl Pagenkopf. Both, Minnesota and St.
Clair, remained a special place to her and she visited frequently over the years.
Donna married Jess Kunkel in 1948. Jess’s career with Standard Oil kept their family moving
frequently, often living in a city only six months to one year. Donna was an expert at packing
and making her children Kathleen Fithen and Scott Kunkel comfortable in their new homes.
Their final move was to Arlington Heights, IL where Jess worked in downtown Chicago. Her life
changed dramatically when Jess died at the age of 49. She missed him immensely for the rest of
her life.
Donna is survived by her daughter Kathleen Fithen (Ron) and her grandson Scott Fithen
(Melinda) and her two great-grandchildren Pema and Ty. Kathleen and Ron’s family also moved
frequently over the years, and Donna was always there to assist them. Donna (affectionately
known as Nonn) played an instrumental part in their family. Her love for them was deep and
endless.
Donna's son Scott Kunkel passed away suddenly, at the age of 54. Through her example, Donna
again taught her family how to persevere through life’s hardest circumstances and still honor a
loved one’s memory. Scott (Lynn) had three children; Tara (Francisco) Bergaz and their children
Eloise and Oliver, Jess Kunkel and Grant Kunkel.
Donna’s extraordinary relationship with her brother Lowell Pagenkopf (Joan) was another
reason that made MN one of her favorite places. While Lowell was alive their frequent visits
and phone calls were always filled with fun times and great tales.
Everyone who looked into Donna’s bright blue eyes will remember her loving and honest
advice, her quick wit and sharp mind, her love of music, her faithfulness to God, her devotion to
family, and her passion for the Chicago Bulls. A memorial service will be held on June 21 st at
10:30 at Glenwood Cemetery in Mankato, Minnesota, where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband Jess.
2019, at the age of 91 surrounded by family in Pittsford, New York. She was born on March 2,
1928, in St. Clair, Minnesota to Abbie {Thielman) and Earl Pagenkopf. Both, Minnesota and St.
Clair, remained a special place to her and she visited frequently over the years.
Donna married Jess Kunkel in 1948. Jess’s career with Standard Oil kept their family moving
frequently, often living in a city only six months to one year. Donna was an expert at packing
and making her children Kathleen Fithen and Scott Kunkel comfortable in their new homes.
Their final move was to Arlington Heights, IL where Jess worked in downtown Chicago. Her life
changed dramatically when Jess died at the age of 49. She missed him immensely for the rest of
her life.
Donna is survived by her daughter Kathleen Fithen (Ron) and her grandson Scott Fithen
(Melinda) and her two great-grandchildren Pema and Ty. Kathleen and Ron’s family also moved
frequently over the years, and Donna was always there to assist them. Donna (affectionately
known as Nonn) played an instrumental part in their family. Her love for them was deep and
endless.
Donna's son Scott Kunkel passed away suddenly, at the age of 54. Through her example, Donna
again taught her family how to persevere through life’s hardest circumstances and still honor a
loved one’s memory. Scott (Lynn) had three children; Tara (Francisco) Bergaz and their children
Eloise and Oliver, Jess Kunkel and Grant Kunkel.
Donna’s extraordinary relationship with her brother Lowell Pagenkopf (Joan) was another
reason that made MN one of her favorite places. While Lowell was alive their frequent visits
and phone calls were always filled with fun times and great tales.
Everyone who looked into Donna’s bright blue eyes will remember her loving and honest
advice, her quick wit and sharp mind, her love of music, her faithfulness to God, her devotion to
family, and her passion for the Chicago Bulls. A memorial service will be held on June 21 st at
10:30 at Glenwood Cemetery in Mankato, Minnesota, where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband Jess.