Julie Ann Kunkel

Julie Ann Kunkel (89) passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family on July 1st under hospice care after a short, but heroic battle with cancer. The daughter of immigrant parents, Frank and Pauline (Van Steenvoort) Dykhoff and one of ten children, Julie was born on June 7, 1927 in Devils Lake. She grew up on the family farm in the Brocket, ND area and was educated in Lakota, graduating from Lakota High School. Julie helped on the family farm for several years as many of the young men were serving in the military during World War II. Julie met Melvin (Babe) Kunkel at a dance in Doyon, ND, and they fell in love. After Babe returned from the service, they were united in marriage on November 30, 1946. They lived for a year in Southam, ND then moved to Devils Lake and called it home the rest of their lives. Julie and Babe would hold each other tight and dance through life with much love, laughter and a few tears, but Julie first and foremost was a devoted wife and mother and family was her priority. They were partners in Armour’s Oil Company and when her children were more independent, Julie worked for a time at Barker’s Apparel. She then worked in the Ramsey County Auditor’s Office for many years, until retiring, where her primary job was to handle the county-wide payroll. She became computer savvy long before personal computers were even available. Julie was an active member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, serving as treasurer for many years, and was a member of the LWML (Lutheran Women Missionary League). She served as a Den Mother for the local Cub Scout Troop and was always the greatest supporter and actively involved in the activities of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was so proud of them all. Julie was incredibly full of life, the ring-leader of fun activities, and was always ready for an adventure. She loved flower gardening and many types of crafts; many of the latter can be found in the homes of family and friends. Julie also enjoyed supporting the sporting activities of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, often traveling to out of state events to be their biggest fan. However, social media was her favorite pass time in later years, as she became a sophisticated user of her home computer, as evidenced by her many “Facebook Friends”. She was quick to provide a “like” to her online friends. Julie is survived by her loving family. Her beloved husband, Babe; sons Scott (Debra) Kunkel, Moorhead, MN and Steven (Robin) Kunkel, Ann Arbor, MI; daughters Susan (Michael) Yanis, Sydney, Australia and Sheree (Lanny) Gulseth, Devils Lake; grandchildren Judd Kunkel, Tyler (Kylie) Kunkel and Sean Kunkel, Matthew Kunkel and Christopher (Amanda) Kunkel, Misty (David) Streed, Jesse Fortune and Jonathan (Deni) Fortune, Wendy Gulseth and Kyle (Sara) Gulseth; great grandchildren J.D., Alexis, Brooke, Hannah, Madelyn, Brianna, Tavian, Tristin, Jaidyn, Iona and Keegan; great great grandson Kylen; brother Lyle Dykhoff, Devils Lake; sisters Doris (Don) Mueller, Devils Lake and Carol (Dave) Coyer of Minnesota; many nieces and nephews, and her beloved cat Dora also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Izzy Rafferty, Esther Falk and Theresa Woolsy; brothers Lawrence, Louie and Carl Dykhoff. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Monday July 4 at the Gilbertson Funeral Home in Devils Lake. Visitation will continue on Tuesday from 1-2 p.m., followed by the funeral at 2 p.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Devils Lake. Burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery.