Bernard P. "Bernie" Kunka

Bernard Paul Kunka, age 96, passed away peacefully Friday, December 29, 2023, at Parkview Gardens. He was born in Chicago, IL, January 25, 1927, son of the late Bernard and Victoria (Nee: Tryanowski) Kunka.

Bernie graduated from De La Salle High School “Class of 1945”. He served in the U.S. Army and then earned degree in Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology. On August 19, 1950 he was united in marriage to Laraine Malcos and they moved to Racine where Bernie was hired by Acme Steel for 38 years, retiring in 1989. Laraine passed away in 1991. On September 27, 1999, he was married to Dolores Gibson (Nee: Heck) who passed away this past July 24th. Bernie was a member of St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church and a member of the 5th Street Yacht Club. He enjoyed boating, classical music, reading and traveling. He will be remembered for his humor, positivity, cheerful demeanor, adventurous spirit and generosity. Above all he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who will be dearly missed.

Surviving are his children, Bill Kunka, Mike Kunka, Jim (Denise) Kunka, daughter, Ellen (Mike) Panozzo; grandchildren, Kate (Chris) Simonds, James (Stephanie) Kunka; great grandchildren, Nathan and Rhiannon Kunka; sister-in-law, Jane Kunka; his extended Gibson family Kathleen Martin, John Gibson Jr., James (Carol) Gibson, Rebecca (Kevin) Christensen; grandchildren, Matthew (Karie) Martin, Patrick (Michelle) Martin, Rachael Gibson, Sam Christensen, Sara (Luke) Sebald; great grandchildren, Kaden Nygren, Ella Martin, Levi and Louis Sebald; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to his parents and wives he was preceded in death by his brother, John and sister Joan (Jack) O’Rourke.

A prayer service will be held at the funeral home, Thursday, January 4, 2024, 6:30 pm with Rev. Andrew Linn officiating. Relatives and friends may meet prior to the service 4 pm until 6:30 pm. Private interment will be held at the Bohemian National Cemetery. Memorials to St. Croix Hospice have been suggested.

The family wishes to thank caregivers at Parkview Gardens and St. Croix Hospice.