Frank Joseph Gunkel

Frank Gunkel Obituary

Family-Placed Funeral Notice

FRANK JOSEPH GUNKEL Age 86 of West Palm Beach, passed away on December 31, 2003. Frank was born on August 2, 1917 in Philadelphia, Pa. to August and Mary Gunkel. After graduating from Onley High School Frank was signed to a professional baseball contract with the Philadelphia Athletics baseball club. In October of 1941, he entered the United States Armed Forces and served as a Sergeant with the 4108 Army Air Corps Unit in Marianna, Fl. While stationed at Marianna Army Air Field, Frank manned the position of shortstop on the distinguished Marianna Flyers baseball team. After his honorable discharge in 1945, he was employed by Strawbridge & Clothier of Philadelphia, Pa. and retired from the company after over 30 years of dedicated service. Frank will be missed by all who knew him. He is predeceased by his wife, Helen of 53 years. Survivors include his wife Leonora, son Craig and daughter-in-law Kathy of Boynton Beach, grandchildren Grace, Joseph and Jack; brother William of Fairless Hills, Pa., sisters Alma Miller of Winchester, Ky, Joanna Blodgett of Philadelphia, Pa, Mary Mahler of High Point, NC and Madeline OÕNeill of Walnut Creek, Ca, and many nieces and nephews. Frank requested no services. In FrankÕs memory, donations can be made to Hospice of Palm Beach County. To view and sign this Guest Book online Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Palm Beach Post on Jan. 4, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Frank Gunkel

13 Entries

Punkin & Alan Parker

January 11, 2004

One last toast to the "best big brother" of a truely wonderful family! We know you're up there watching over us. We miss you and will always love you.

Punkin, Alan & Alan A.

Ed and Jo Ann Busold

January 8, 2004

Dear Lee,Our condolence of your loss of Frank.

Mary & Pete Mahler

January 8, 2004

Dear Family: We have lost our big brother. What a wonderful guy he was. When he walked into the room he made you smile. He was so special, even when he would tell me he hated Pete because he was on the golf course without him. We had many long telephone conversations which I will always remember. Rest in peace Brother. We all loved you.

Jenifer McDonald

January 7, 2004

To my dear cousin Craig, Kate and family members:

Because of the distance between us we have not spent lots of time together, but that hasn't kept us from making wonderful memories, nor from building strong family bonds.

Just a few years ago Aunt Mary and Uncle Pete provided all us Gunkel's the opportunity to spend some truly wonderful time together on a cruise to the Bahammas. I had such a great time watching the Gunkel's talk, laugh and dance together. What life...what happiness...what love they have for each other.

We are blessed to have such wonderful family. We were blessed to have had your Dad (and your Mother) in our lives. And, we are blessed that they are now keeping an eye on us from Heaven.

With sincere sympathy, hugs and love -

Your cousin Jennie (O'Neill) McDonald -- and Tim, Sean and Frank, too.

Ed Miller

January 7, 2004

Dear Craig & family,

Linda and I were saddened to hear of your dad’s passing. He was a good man and I have many fond memories of him.

I remember years ago, when we lived in Jersey, going with my dad and Uncle Frank to a special Philadelphia sporting goods store to buy my first big time baseball glove. It’s the only glove I’ve ever had. I used it all my ball-playing days and up through my playing catch with Scott.

I also remember, after we moved to Kentucky, staying with your dad and mom when we came back and visited Philly a couple times in the early 60’s. They were always kind to me. I remember going to Connie Mack with your dad to watch the Phillies – he even got me into the dugout to meet some of the ballplayers.

I know you and your family will miss him. You are in our prayers.

Cousin Eddie

Alma Mary Miller

January 6, 2004

I have many great memories,of Fran especially during his baseball career---I loved him and was very proud of him. He was the best dance partner I ever had. He will be missed. I had a note from him last week Love to Craig,Kate and family

Marlene Mason

January 6, 2004

To Cousin Craig and family...

Our deepest sympathy goes out to you. I will never forget his great dance moves with Mother! He is dancing no doubt now, or perhaps playing some baseball....

Love, Marlene, Silas and Claiborne

Monica Rocchio

January 6, 2004

Dear Lee, Craig, Kate and Family,

Please accept our deepest sympathies in the loss of your husband and father, and our brother and uncle. Frank will be missed very much.

Love,

Ann, Maryann, Monica and Roy

jack gunkel

January 5, 2004

dear pop pop i hope you lived a good life and thank you for coming to grandparents day. i will work hard and be the best catcher and be a great baseball player just like you.

joseph gunkel

January 5, 2004

I thought that pop pop was a great man. He always supported me when I was playing sports. I will miss him very much.

Wayne and Lorraine Stevens

January 5, 2004

Craig and family please accept our deepest sympathy. I remember your father during our playing days he was caring great man and will missed. God bless and stay strong.

craig gunkel

January 4, 2004

I miss you pop. So do the kids and Kate. Thanks for the short time you lived with us. We will never forget it. Greta's looking for you. She lies on the couch and your not sitting in your chair next to her. Love ya Omar.

Madeline & Bob O'Neill

January 4, 2004

Dear Lee & Craig & Kate & Family,

Please accept our sincerest sympathy in the loss of your Husband & Father & our Brother.

We will miss him.

Love, Aunt Madeline & Uncle Bob

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