1941 – William “Bill” Joseph Kunerth – 2017
William “Bill” Kunerth, the son of Joseph and Esther (Eichstadt) Kunerth, was born on December 17, 1941 in Worthington, MN. He grew up on a farm southeast of Fulda and attended country school. He graduated from Fulda High School in 1959 and served as President of the Fulda FFA Chapter. Bill was united in marriage to Erma Roeder on February 5, 1966 at St. Kilian Catholic Church in St. Kilian, MN. They lived and farmed in Graham Lakes Twps., Nobles Co, MN, and in1967, Bill began working for Production Credit Association until 1977. From 1978 to 1981 he worked as a farm manager for Farmers National Company. Bill took over the family farm in 1982 and retired from full time farming in 2008. In 2009 they moved to their home in Fulda. Bill passed away peacefully on April 29, 2017 at the United Hospital in St. Paul, MN at the age of 75. He was a member of St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Fulda. He enjoyed fishing trips, wintering in Arizona, going out to eat, golfing, spending time with his children and grandchildren and ultimately finding time for his passion of farming. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and for sharing stories with his family and friends.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Erma Kunerth of Fulda, MN; 3 children, Mike (Dawn) Kunerth of rural Fulda, MN, Mark (Sky) Kunerth of Malibu, CA and JoLynn (Al) Vander Lugt of rural Edgerton, MN; 8 grandchildren, Matthew, Marissa, Matthias and Massen Kunerth, Ashlyn Kunerth and Megan, Marcus and Philip Vander Lugt.
Bill was survived by his 6 younger siblings: Korrine (Don) Pawlitchek, Tresa Olson, Tom (Kathy) Kunerth, Ramona (Sam) Nelson, Pat Kunerth and Rita (Steve) Welsch.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Joe and Esther Kunerth and infant son, Steven.
Funeral services will be at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church Fulda, MN at 10:30 AM on Saturday, May 6, 2017 with Msgr. R. Paul Heiting celebrating. The pallbearers are his grandchildren. Interment at St. Gabriel’s Cemetery Fulda, MN.
Visitation will be Friday from 4 to 7 PM at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Fulda and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. The Totzke Funeral Home in Fulda is assisting the family with arrangements. Send condolences online at www.totzkefuneralhome.com.
