Wilma T. Kunkel

WILMA T. KUNKEL passed from this world on Sunday, December 1, 2013 following a short illness, with her family by her side. Beloved wife of the late Victor Kunkel, Sr. of Petaluma, loving sister of the late Dorothy and Jeanette Condron of Los Angeles, CA, and sister-in-law to the late Vincent and Martha Sanchez of Gilroy, CA. Committed and loving mother of Karen (Kunkel) Russell and son-in-law Don Russell; and son, Victor Kunkel, Jr, of Cotati. Loving grandmother of Kevin, Anne (Pharris), Daniel and Victor III, great grandmother of seven, she was also aunt to four nieces and nephews. Wilma started life in Berkeley, CA on September 20, 1922, born to the late Arthur and Frieda Condron. Wilma lived and went to school during the great depression, contracting and surviving a grave bout with diphtheria that kept her hospitalized for nine months. Following high school, Wilma married the love of her life, Victor, just weeks prior to his leaving for service in the US Navy in the South Pacific. Following WWII,Wilma and Victor bought and operated a small ranch in Morgan Hill, CA. Desiring a more quiet life to raise a family, they moved to Sonoma County in 1956. In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Wilma retired from the Cotati-Rohnert Park School food services system in 1984. Following Victor's retirement, the couple travelled extensively and often, visiting many state and federal parks and travelling throughout Canada, staying in their beloved RV. They especially loved our own Doran Beach, where they stayed no matter the weather or season. Wilma was committed to family and loved animals, including the stray cats, deer and flocks of turkeys that came her way. She especially loved her kitty cat, Eva. A memorial service is planned for December 28 at 11:00AM at Faith Lutheran Church, 19355 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, CA . In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Petaluma or Faith Lutheran Church. Family assisted by PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, Petaluma.