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Wilda Kuhnke Obituary
She was born Nov. 8, 1923, in Hurst to Robert Andrew (Stokes) Lavender and Ida Mae Ellis Lavender. She married William Kuhnke Jr. on May 22, 1943.
Surviving are her sons, David Bruce (Fritz) (wife, Michelle) Kuhnke of Tampa, Fla., Keith (wife, Carolyn) of Springfield, Mark (wife, Janet) of Springfield and Kurt (wife, Lisa) of Leawood, Kan.; daughter-in-law, Joanne DeTomasi Kuhnke of Herrin; sister, Christina Vie (Teenie) Kinsman of Du Quoin; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; and one son, Capt. William Andrew Kuhnke.
Wilda was a member of First United Methodist Church of Johnston City, where she was a Sunday school teacher of children and adults for more than 30 years. She was the first woman elected to Johnston City School Board, and eventually served as president.
She served as president of the Illinois Association of School Boards and served on the Illinois Library Board for many years. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority and volunteered for many organizations, including the American Cancer Society.
Wilda was a long-serving precinct committeewoman for the Republican Party of Williamson County and ran for Williamson County Circuit Clerk in 1976. She was an avid golfer and an active participant of Franklin County Country Club Women's Golf Association and Southern Illinois Women's Golf Association.
She loved animals of all types and was partial to roses in her garden. She loved to play cards, especially poker, bridge and pinochle, and was a great fan of thoroughbred racing, attending a family Derby Day event in full regalia just two weeks before her demise.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in Murman and Wilson Funeral Home in Johnston City, with Pastor Ted A. Hartley officiating. Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Johnston City and/or the National Kidney Foundation.
To sign the guest register or for more information, visit www.murmanandwilson.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wilda Kuhnke
Connie Panichi
June 1, 2011
My condolences to the family of Wilda
Kuhnke,it was an honor to know her.
May 27, 2011
I'm sorry for your loss of Wilda. She was a fine lady. I have fond memories of the Kuhnke boys, especially Mark, visiting our house.
Eva Oliver Wahlfeldt
J Clark
May 25, 2011
Very sorry to hear of your family's loss. May God give all of her loved ones strength in the days ahead.
May 25, 2011
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all the family. May you find much comfort in your memories during the coming days. I knew Wilda on a professional level when she was a school board member.Later we played golf together with the Franklin County Ladies' Association. She was a special lady and I enjoyed being in her company.
Pat Reid-former Johnston City elementary teacher
LONNIE JARVIS
May 24, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Brenda Garrison
May 24, 2011
Kurt- So sorry to hear of your family's loss. One never forgets those who were kind to them in their youth and your mother was always very kind to me. My prayers are with your family at this time. Brenda Thompson Garrison Delphi Indiana
May 24, 2011
Kuhnke Family
I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing and send my very deepest sympathies to all of you. I have many fond memories of Mrs. Kuhnke from the many days I spent at your house. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Ron Shelton
Karen DeLancy
May 23, 2011
My condolences to the Kuhnke family I was a nurse at Davita for several years when your mom first transferred up here. She surely was a lovely woman and will be missed greatly by the other pts. and staff. My prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Susan (Williams) Irwin
May 23, 2011
Deepest prayers going up for you at this time. Having recently lost my Mom, I understand what you are going through.
Cyndee Sensibaugh
May 23, 2011
Mark and Janet and Family:
We only met your mother once, but she impressed us as a very lovely lady. Our thoughts are with you.
The Joe Sensibaugh Family
Chandra Kapper
May 23, 2011
TO THE KUHNKE FAMILY---SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR LOSS. KEEPING YOU IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
Mark and Beccie Rigor
May 23, 2011
Keith,Carolyn and family,
May wonderful memories surround you of your loved one.She will live in your hearts forever. God Bless all.
DeAnna Newman
May 23, 2011
My condolences to the Kuhnke family...I dialyzed on the same shift as Wilda for 2 years and she was a very softspoken, sweet spirited lady who I never heard complain once.
She will be missed.
Rick Davison
May 23, 2011
Fritz & family ... Condolences to you and your family at this difficult time.
Karl Kuhnke
May 23, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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