Henry Kunkel

4-19-2019
Hank, as your high school classmate, eventual girlfriend, wife and mother of your/our two daughters...at this occasion of the 14th year since you went to "guard the gates & streets of Heaven" ,,, I can say I love you and who you were to me and our daughters more and more. You were one special guy! I have put all your USMC treasures on the walls and surfaces in our bedroom...then all the hobby things that adorn our house...in every room. Our home remodeling, hands on together, will live as a reminder of your many talents. The many messages from your buddies remind me that I am not the only one who thinks very highly of who you were...memories are strong things like "Chopper" Savage's teaching his son, Cameron, who is becoming an USMC officer and aviator has "been taught and told about all the "Hankisms" which "will carry with him through his young career. God Bless him, Cameron, You Hank and all your Toastmaster and Marine Corps friends and supporters over the years.
I miss you terribly. Your memory and God's help carry me through ...
xoxoxoxoxo Your wife, Shirley.

I was motivated to add my belated condolences after reading all the postings. Like Tom Bauer, I too was a young lieutenant when I joined HMM161. Maj Kunkel was initially the XO but later assumed the role of Commanding Officer. When I was transferred to HMM164 at MCAS Futenma, Major Kunkel joined the squadron in the Spring of 1977 where he served as the maintenance officer. When I reflect back on my Marine Corps career, I always remember the wonderful experience I had in HMM161 and the impact he had on me personally. I echo many of the sentiments expressed by others.

It was with great sadness that I heard of MAJ. Kunkel's passing. I was a young 1LT in HMM 161 at MCAS(H) Santa Anna, and I had the great honor of having the "Kunk" as my first operational squadron commander. I have read the entries in this guest book and the stories of Hank's knowledge of the aircraft and coolness under fire ring so true. Something he taught me way back when still is with me today. When I was approaching the day of my HAC (helicopter aircraft commander) check ride, I found myself assigned to fly with Hank quite often. There wern't many things more frightening for a young LT than flying with the C.O. Anyway, on this day we were the lead ship in a big formation of Phrogs heading down to Camp Pendelton to lift a bunch of Grunts. We had to fly off shore on the way south for noise abatement reasons. Passing through about 3000', and a couple miles off shore, one of our wingmen sent out a mayday call. The wingman had big troubles and he was going to ditch. I still recall the sound of the wingman's voice. I can't describe the feelings and thoughts that raced through my mind. I was in brain lock. I looked over at the Kunk, and he was calmly winding the CLOCK! He then directed dash 4 to follow dash 3 down, dash last to establish overhead C&C, and the rest of his flight to tighten up and continue on with our mission as briefed. MAJ Kunkel later told me that when things get tight you need to take a deep breath to get your thoughts together. Winding the aircraft clock was his way. He gave me my HAC ride a week or so later, and I went on to fly for 19 more years. I was never able to demonstrate the cool to actually pry my fingers off the controls to wind the clock when times got interesting, but I always thought of what Hank had taught me. Maybe that was my way of taking a deep breath. Thank you, MAJ Kunkel. My deepest condolences to the Kunkel family.

Hank always led by example in Toastmasters. I still use many of the techniques he taught me, and will pass them along to future Toastmasters.

Kunkel Family, my thoughts are with you as I fairly recently learned of Major Kunkel's passing. I had the honor of serving under him in HMM-161 as a first lieutenant in the mid-70's. I flew with him at the beginning as one of his co-pilots along with Major "Muddy" Waters, later with "Spanky" Bill Niemasik, "Porky" Ron Homes, Bill Catto now General Catto I believe, and so many others from "Our Gang". I learned so much as I became a functional check pilot under his guidance and his profound knowledge of the aircraft was truly amazing. What would take me an hour to do while testing the H-46 he could do in one turn around the pattern. He was a truly amazing pilot, inspirational commander, humorous human being that I will remember for all my life which is still going on much because of the lessons he taught me. To Shirley, thank you for sharing him with the Marine Corps as I know how trying it must have been at times and joyful at others. To his children, you were so lucky to have such a professional, totally dedicated, understanding, non selfish father, and to is grandchildren, who I know will miss him dearly, you must be so proud to have a grandpa that I'm sure loved you as only someone like Major Kunkel could. As he was strong enough to lead and inspire Marine Aviators, the toughest fighting force in the world and gentle enough to understand the human spirit. He made a great impression on my life and I am proud and grateful to have had the opportunity to have been a small part of his.

I was the Boeing rep for Hank's H46 squadrons in many places including Vietnam. His love and care for the H46 (Phrog) showed in his maintenance write-ups and his knowledgeable discussions of experiences. We shared many stories and he was a caring cheering neighbor when my house on Melvin Way burned in the early 80's. He is one of those personalities that I still share stories about today and I'm glad I have them to tell.

Dear Shirley, My husband, GySgt John Hamm (Ret) once told me that being the wife of a Marine was the toughest job in the Corps. Hank chose well when he chose you for his wife. I am thinking about you especially now during this holiday season. Hank would be so proud of you, and all you have accomplised throughout your lives together, and now as he watches over you from above.

During their bedtime prayers, 2 young sisters, ages 7 and 9 years old, began fervently asking God for a baby brother. And in the evening of October 7th, 1937, the girls were sent to Grandma's house. They woke up the next morning to the exciting news. "Mom had given birth to a healthy, 10# 2-1/2 oz. baby boy.” The parents named him Henry, after his grandfathers. The sisters promptly called him Butch.



When Butch was 3-1/2, we moved to the farm by St. Lawrence, SD. Butch explored the entire 320 acres. Mother would say, “Go and see what your brother is doing and tell him to quit.” One day Butch came in with cupped hands and dropped them in my lap – 6 baby mice! “Look Annie,” he said. “We got baby pigs. They are started already.” One day I found him trying to put 3 half grown kittens into the water tank. They were clawing and clinging to him. I scolded him. A couple of days later, I pulled a chicken out of the water tank, which had fallen in trying to drink. When I told Mom about it, Butch said, “Vy Annie! Why you tell such things?”



Once, in the 1st summer of his life, Mom needed an afternoon nap. Betty and I put Butch in the buggy and after he went to sleep, we parked him by the tented roller skating rink and checked him each time we skated around. He slept through all the noise.



Butch was 13 when Mom got smashed up in a train-car accident. During his high school years, he took part in every school activity, band, chorus, class plays, football, basketball and baseball – excelling in the sports. At the same time, he waited on and helped care for his recovering Mom.



At age 16, Butch drove his father, who was having a heart attack, to the VA Hospital. After that, all the farm chores were his responsibility for several weeks.

Butch’s summers were spent working for neighborhood farmers. By the time he left home for Boot Camp, he was one tough hombre.



Butch was my adorable baby brother – certainly unspoiled. We all too great pride in his many accomplishments.

August 20,2006

Thank you Shirley for coming to my birthday weekend. I wish my little brother could have been here also. We all miss him so much. Big sister ,Anne

From cousin Vaughn Winter:

My "Hank" story occured in 1942. I am a first cousin one-generation removed and traveled by train from Manly, Iowa to St. Lawerence, S.D. where Jane and Abe Kunkel lived on a farm with their three children.

Hank was called Butch in those days. He was four years old and most definitely a bright, inquisitive child. He was “on the go” 60 miles an hour, all day long. Betty Lou warned me we had to “watch” him , and we did…but let down our guard for a minute and were promptly locked in the milk house! Butch laughed and left us there to get out by our own devices.

This was happy family with parents and older sisters who adored this little boy. He was really an “only child” according to psychologist Kevin Levine in The Birth Order Book.

I have good memories of my vacation in South Dakota and of “Butch”, a most happy, healthy boy!

Hank's Formative Years in South Dakota--Parker High School-1951-1955



*The day you were on the farm alone when a storm came up and the windmill ran wild. You threw on the brake but it broke near the top. So you climbed up and held a 2x4 against the fan to stop it and then tied it. (Is that when you decided it was exillerating to be up high with blades whirling around you and decided to be a helicopter pilot?)



*The day in the snowstorm when your little Model A pickup pulled my big, not running, Oldsmobile through a half mile of snow a foot deep to get it home and the A did it easily.



*The senior prom night we got Shirley and Donis home at 7:30 A. M. and the bus to the track meet at Vermillion was scheduled to leave at 7:00 - Coach Thomas was a little hot.



*The track meet at Huron was cold-dark-windy-rainy. The mile relay started after mid-night (most of the teams had gone home) so we had a good chance to win. Hank was running the 3rd leg and I was running the 4th leg. As Hank reached for my hand he over extended and fell on the hollow wooden baton, shattering it, while the cinder track took the skin off his nose and chest. He saw me coming back and rolled off the splinters, looked up at me and grinned. I picked up the splinters and finished 2nd.



*Rule of Thumb.....when you absolutely and positively need 2 yards, pull all your power to the middle of the line. Form a wedge, give the football to Hank and go right up the middle.



Thanks for being here, Hank, you were an interesting character.



Chuck and Jolene Barber

As Hank's first squadron Commanding Officer in Marine Attack Squadron 224, flying the A4 jet attack aircraft, I remember Hank, also known as Wedge or Tank, as an excellent officer, Naval Aviator, and gentleman and he will always be remembered as such. I am sure he got into mischief, all young officers and aviators do, but nothing was ever serious enough to come to my attention---except the wheels up landing of course.



As additionl duty, a ground billet, Hank was the squadron Ordnance Officer. That was a whale of a job making sure the equipment operated properly and the enlisted men were trained. He performed his duties flawlessly.



Hank is now in that Big Hanger in the sky, the aviators Eden where the weather is always clear, there are always aircraft to fly, and Happy Hour rondezvous. We will all join him soon.



Dona joins me in condolences and grieving with you.

Today is the 1st anniversary of Hank’s last flight. Over the past year I have thought many times of Hank and Shirley, but today I will be thinking about them so much more.



A few years ago was when I first met Hank and Shirley. It was at a toastmasters meeting of club 3742. What I noticed immediately was a deep sense of respect for this couple. During subsequent meetings, I started to see why. At a very high level in them were integrity, honor, character, love, devotion, giving, and knowing the importance of friendships and family.



Since Hank was unable to speak and because Hank and Shirley were two sides of the same golden coin, Shirley’s actions and her devotion taught me lessons from Hank and Shirley that will stay with me.



During the eulogy by Pastor Snider at Hank’s memorial on April 26, 2005, Hank thought me one more lesson that I believe is going to be a major turning point in my life. Hank thought me about not hovering. Hank’s message was don’t hover. Either fly away or land the craft and fix what is broken and then fly away. As Hank was going past me at the end of the ceremony I promised Hank that I was going to stop hovering, land my craft and fix what was wrong. During the last year I have landed my craft many times to fix the many things that continue to need fixing. But I know that one day will surely come when I will have fixed all that needs fixing and start flying and put my craft into auto pilot.



Hank and Shirley, you have touched my life so quietly and softly in so many ways that I will never forget the two of you. Hank, we never had a conversation directly together, but you came across loud and clear through Shirley.

As one year anniversary (April 19th) of his passing approaches, I still remember Hank as a very fine gentlemen who went beyond his call of duty to assist Toastmasters to improve their communication and leadership skills. Not only that, he had a great sense of humor. In essence, we, the Toastmasters, still miss him.

Hank and Shirley came to our studio to attend classes in Media. At first we thought Hank would be a real "fish out of water" but his charm was infectious. He had an "everyman" quality that made him a favorite to his classmates and to us. Throughout our years of teaching we have rarely met such lovely people as the Kunkels. Hank was a "star" way before we met him. Shirley was and is his perfect "leading lady." Every family would be blessed to have the legacy of such wonderful parents. We miss ya, Hank!

With good memories of serving together through PLC training, flight school, and the U.S. Marine Corps both in the U.S. and overseas. We remember not only the camaraderie and the privilege of serving professionally, but also the opportunities we shared as families engaged in the everyday chores of living, shopping, and socializing through flight school and squadron life. We wish God's greatest blessings for Shirley and family as they move forward with their lives with memories of Hank and the guidance and hopes he would have for them in his absence.

Henry Leighty Kunkel’s great grandparents migrated from Germany through Poland to the Black Sea at the invitation of Catherine the Great. When Catherine died, the new Tsar (Czar) reneged on Catherine’s promises and demanded they speak Russian only, have Russian schools, etc. This did not set well with this German Mennonite community, so they were allowed to migrate to America over several years. They settled in the lands “from Canada to Kansas.” His grandmother was two (2) years old when she made the trip. His grandfather was eleven (11) years old at Ellis Island and twelve (12) when they arrived at Yankton, South Dakota. Her group settled around Mountain Lake, Minnesota and his group around Freeman, South Dakota. Their son married an English girl from Southern Minnesota – a school teacher! Henry was raised with great expectations and grew up doing “what had to be done.”



Henry Leighty Kunkel, who shared common ancestry with President McKinley, John Glenn, and authoress Osa Leighty Johnson, was born at Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea, Minnesota. The sisters, 11 & 8, were sent to walk in the dark toward Grandpa and Grandma Leighty’s house. Eighty-plus-year-old grandpa walked ¾ of the way to meet us while we walked ¼. Grandpa Henry Leighty became a daily visitor at our house to sit by the crib of his namesake.



By ten (10) months, “Butch” was following daddy around the yard. Mother had an inspiration to ‘block’ him into one room to play. So she laid two chairs on their sides to form a gate. Butch took one chair in each hand and opened the ‘gate’ to walk through. At age three (3), lightening struck while he and I were in the yard. I fell to my knees and lost my chore buckets, while he froze and wouldn’t respond to dad’s call to come to the house. Dad finally picked him up and carried him in. At age 5, he fell off his horse, “Spunky,” and broke his arm. He was barred from the horse while his arm healed, so he wrapped twine around one end of a saw horse for a tail and put the bridle on the other end in order to “ride” his new horse.



A trick, he devised, was putting a baseball into Dad’s overshoe so Dad’s foot wouldn’t go in. Dad would make the expected fuss and Butch was delighted. One day it didn’t work! His own feet had gotten so large, he’d made a mistake and put the ball into his own overshoe!



The first day of school was devastating! Mother said that when he came off the shchool bus, his face was long and his eyes sad. He leaned against her and said, “I can’t ‘wead’ yet!” Mother reassured him. She knew he was already reading by underlining words he knew as we sat together around the table in the evenings by the light of the gas lamp. His first grade teacher loved him so much that he received his own invitation to her wedding.



When ‘defense’ seemed beyond his physical prowess, he used his head. When the Bully (3 years older) was going to beat him up, he ran, was pursued, then dropped on “all fours” and let the bully trip helter skelter over him.



He took his place in the milking barn at an early age. When the folks weren’t there, he used it as a weapon to get his way with me – I agreed, or he didn’t milk any cows! He always told how rough I was on him, but I only remember holding him down once! I’d rather feel I was a good big sister.



He slept in his parents’ room until he was 4 or more. When he had to learn to go to bed alone upstairs, while I was still up, I would tuck him in and have him say his prayers.



On my way down the hall and down the stairs, we would say alternately,



Good night! Good night!

Far flies the light.

But still God’s love

Shall shine above

Making all bright

Good night. Good night.



Good night, Butchie Kunkel! I’ll see you in the morning.



Love,



Betty

AS EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF VMA-224 I KNEW HANK FOR TWO YEARS AT CHERRY PT. N.C. AND IWAKUNI JAPAN. I KNEW HIM AS A QUIET,COMPETENT OFFICER AND PILOT.WE ALL MISSED HANK AT OUR 40TH REUNION DOWN HERE OCT.2003.HANK REALLY BLOSSOMED AFTER LEAVING THE MARINE CORPS, I AM SORRY TO HAVE MISSED NOT SHARING HIS GREAT CAREER AFTER 1963, WE SHALL ALL HAVE TO JOIN UP ON HIS WING SOMEDAY.



S/F

Hank and I were young, fresh out of flight school, squadron mates for about two and a half years in VMA-224, flying the A-4 (Skyhawk). The time we spent together were some of the best years of my life and Hank was an important part of making those years so special. We miss you, Wedge, but are comfortable in the understanding that you're now in a much better place. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Shirley.

As young Lieutenants I had the pleasure of some 30-months of service with "the Wedge" in VMA 224 at Cherry Point, NC and the Far East. A fine Ordinance Officer, funny guy, always remember his droll humour and big cigar but more so when he landed his A4 on the belly tanks during Korea deployment. Lots of brass observing our arrival, his A4 came skidding to a halt, canopy opened, Hank stepped out onto tarmac...didn't need the normal steps..looked at undamaged plane, and totally unperturbed made no comment to some Colonel saying..."Geez, what do you do for an encore?"

Hank's encore was remaining a dedicated Marine.



Semper Fi Hank....

From Chuck Liebelt - a fellow Marine.

Hank, though odds against you seemed impossible you hung on with galantry worthy of a United States Marine. You were unable to verbalize your feelings but we could see behind your eyes the blazing defiance of inexcapable fate. May each of us, in our time, follow your example and meet the inevitable with the spirit befitting our status as humans. So long for now, Hank.

I just wanted to share that as the officiant at Hank's memorial service I was profoundly touched by the impact he had on so many lives. I will always remember the colorful illustrations of Hank's integrity, humor, passion and devotion to his family. I was blessed to have been included in the remembrance of his life and legacy. In His Service, Pastor Fred

December 22nd, 2005

We are so saddened to learn of Hank's death. What a wonderful man and he done so many great things in his life.

Myron and Carole Wachendorf

Always enjoyed and will always remember your wit and wisdom....not an easy combination to find in someone.....

United Legal Services

I've known Hank since the early days of 262 when we first started picking up CH-46 A's. We have flown together since those early days. I as a crew chief and Hank as the aircraft commander. I developed a deep respect for his ability with the CH-46. We flew in Viet Nam for 12 months and I never saw Hank lose his cool under fire or lose absolute control of the aircraft. The only way I knew Hank was nervous was when he bummed my cigarettes. Since Hank did not smoke, it was a dead giveaway to his state of mind. I was Hank's NCOIC at the Fuji Det and I was crewing when we landed in the apartment complex in Yokohama. This was an unscheduled landing and again, Hank smoked my cigarettes. He was the best man at my wedding. He wrote a letter of recommendation for my entrance into Law School.

He was my good friend and I loved him. May God rest his soul.

Dr. Earnest R. Smith (Smitty)

I really liked Hank. As Smitty said, he was the best man at our wedding. However, I think his job was to see that Smitty did not take off before the ceremony. I will remember and think of him often. Frankie L. Smith

I have lost a father and a friend. I love and miss you, Dad.

Daddy, I am so lucky to have had you as a father. You taught me so many things, like honesty, honor, sense of duty, and integrity. I know that you are safe in Heaven with God, but I still miss you. Thank you for being a great Dad and for all the things that you taught me. Thank you for the love you gave me. I love you very very much. Sue Lyn

This is a story about my Grampa, because he is a Marine. I love him.

My Grammpa is very special. He was a Marine. My Grampa loves me. I love him.

I thought you were very good major in the military (marines) ! You are the best grampa in the whole world! I miss you alot!

I want to be a nurse in the military. We're all thinking about you ( Gramma, Susan, Dennis, Amy, Jonathan, Micah, and the rest of the family) ! Love, Amy Leah Bideshi

Hank was a wonderous role model - as a gentleman, Toastmaster and most importantly as a husband. He and Shirley exemplified the wedding vows living their entire life together as childhood sweethearts. I was richly blessed to have known Hank, priviledge to have had Hank as a part of the 1991-1992 Toastmaster leadership team and honored to have installed him as the Governor of Founders District in 1995-1996. To Shirley and the family, my God wrap His loving arms around you in comfort and love.

Dear Shirley & Family: What a great loss to all of us, Hank was a distinguished Man in all areas of his life. I shall always remember his zest for trying everything. We acted together twice in our class at Del Mar and he had me in stitches with laughter and his quick wit. I shall never forget him. My love and condolences to you Shirley and to your family.



Deborah Johnston

You and Hank inspired many of us in Toastmasters and made it a lot more educational and entertaining. We offer our condolences and love to your family.

We read again with interest Hank's obituary and marveled at his many accomplishments. What an interesting life you two had, and how many lives you have touched! Even though we know the latter stages of Hank's illness were very difficult for you both, you both continued to be an inspiration.

Dear family and friends of Hank:

Please remember the lessons we learned with love from Hank. His skills and style learned from the farm, through the Marines and then Toastmasters benefited us all. We will all miss his smile and words of wisdom.

Uncle Butch was a mysterious icon to me when I was a little girl. He was always far away and so different than his sisters. I admired and really loved him. He was so much fun. We were all very much cheated out of a closer relationship due to the miles that separated us. He treated me like a queen when I visited. I was proud of his acomplishments especially his heroism in Viet Nam. I can't wait to see him in heaven. Love, Your niece, Janey

My image of Hank will always be one of strength and of service. Shirley, you can be proud of him, and that you worked beside him.

"Hunkel", The streets of Heaven are better guarded because you are there, but the streets of Orange County are lonely without your twinkling eyes and smile! I won't forget your dedication to Toastmasters or your sense of humor. Most of all I won't forget your courage these past years under Shirley's loving care. Miss you! My thoughts and prayers are with Shirley and your family! What a legacy you left for them! Joan

Dear Shirley,

Our Marines are now with the Supreme Commander where they continue to serve. Hoo-rah!! We will continue to love them always.

So sorry that we missed seeing you. Uncle Butch was quite a guy and he will surely be missed. I remember when he met our kids, they said,"That's Grandma's brother?" They were surprised! They thought that he was so cool. We all did.

Shirley, I am very sorry for your loss. Hank was a great guy and Marine. I served with him in N.C. and Viet Nam in 1966-67. Pat and I will say a special prayer for your family and you.



May God bless you.

Hank helped prepare me for combat in HMM-262 in 1966. My condolences to his family.



Semper Fidelis!

God Bless You Hank. The Corps has lost another courageous soul and great guy. Enjoy your reward and keep smiling.

Dear Shirley and Family, We were so sorry to hear about the loss of Hank. It was an honor to have known and served with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Taps to another fine Marine "Brother".

Semper Fi,

Tim McMahon HMM-262 RVN 66-67

Hank was a captain in HMM 262 when I was assigned there as a green second lieutenant. He was a great pilot and friend and taught me a lot. We went to Viet Nam together in 1966 and I loved flying with him as co-pilot or wingman. You always knew if anything went bad he would do anything to back you up. My sincere condolances to his family.



Jim Kirschnik

Maj. Hank "Kunk" Kunkel (USMC Ret.)was one of the finest Marine Corps officer's with whom I had the honor to serve. An excellent pilot and an exceptional human being. Many of us are alive today because of his dedication and skills.



Sir:



As a Brother Marine, a friend and one who flew into combat with you, I wish you God Speed and remember to keep your turns up!



SEMPER FI, KUNK



Jake



HMM-262 Vietnam Veterans Association

Shirley and Family,



We are very sorry to hear that Hank has passed away. Our prayers and thoughts are with you!



With deepest respect and condolences,

Theresa, Michael, and Jerry

Your friends from High Hopes

Daddy, I love you so much, and miss you terribly. T. Leigh

Hank would have loved any message you could send, that means I, Shirley, will too. Please contact me. Thanks for being our friends over the years.

I miss him so much... will help to hear from all of you! Shirley