Irene Gunkel

irene gunkel
Irene M. Gunkel, 88, Fargo, died Sunday January 24, 2016 in Bethany on 42nd. Irene Margarete was born on June 25, 1927 in Fried, ND to Stanley and Mary (Maciewski) Krawczyk. Irene was a graduate of St. John’s Academy and also attended the Ann Carlson School in Jamestown. Irene worked in Fargo as a telephone operator for the IRS for 15 years and was also employed by Vocational Rehabilitation Services. On September 16, 1961 she was united in marriage to Edwin Gunkel in Fried, ND.   The couple moved to Dilworth, MN before settling in Fargo.  As a charter member of the Red River Valley Handicaps club formed in the late 1950’s, Irene and Edwin were instrumental in helping create the F-M areas first transportation system designed specifically for the disabled in 1975- Handi-Wheels, where Irene worked as a dispatcher. Irene is survived by her son, Jeffrey Gunkel, Fargo; daughter, Angela (Jon) Lien, West Fargo; sister, Patricia (Wayne) Weldon, Oceanside, CA; granddaughter, Lynzie Lien. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin; brothers, Walter, Joseph, and Stanley Krawczyk; sisters, Mary Peterson, Theresa Moser, and Ann Marr; best friend Delores Tveiten; and her beloved Dachshund Mitzy. There will be a visitation from 5-7 P.M. with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, January 28, 2016 at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center with. The funeral service will be at 1:30 P.M. on Friday, January 29, 2016 at Nativity Catholic Church with visitation one hour before. Interment will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Fried, ND.

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  1. Jeff , I am sorry to hear of your moms passing. I remember her well from coming over to hang out with you. I hope a healing heart comes swiftly for you as I know it’s not easy. Please know that you are in my thoughts as you have been over the years my old friend. Please get a hold of me, when time permits! Your friend, Duane

  2. irene was such a special lady in every sense of the word. i have known her for many years being members of the nativity church family. blessed is her memory and may she rest in peace.
    sharon wolf

  3. I loved calling on your Mom. We knew one another from Nativity Church where we sat in the same area as your Dad & Mom did so many years ago. She tried to be as independent as her health would allow. She rarely complained about anything. I could always get a big smile out of her when I would ask about her granddaughter. There will always be a part of Irene in my heart. I am so sorry for your loss of a wonderful mother. My sincere sympathy. May you find peace, knowing her trials are over. Jan Kester

  4. Oh Jeff, I haven’t seen you for so long, but I saw that your mother just passed away. I remember fondly how entirely grateful you were to have her in your life. She was certainly the loveliest of ladies. You are such a dear dear man. My thoughts are with you these days. Love, Anne (Pecka) Riske


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