Alvina Josephine Kunkel

Alvina J. “Butch” Kunkel, 89, of Connersville, died Friday, January 20, 2017, at Hickory Creek at Connersville. Alvina was born in St. Leon, October 12, 1927, to Robert and Anna Alig Frey and attended school there. On October 1, 1949, Alvina married John “Josh” Kunkel at St. Joseph Church in St. Leon. Alvina was an active member of St. Gabriel Church where she co-founded the Bereavement Committee and served on it for many years, along with being a Eucharist minister and serving communion to those who were not able to leave their homes. She also loved to bowl and was on a bowling league for a number of years. She enjoyed golfing and playing bridge in her leisure time. Alvina is survived by her six children and their spouses: Richard Kunkel and Patty of Fountaintown, Dan C. Kunkel, Don R. Kunkel and Janet, all of Connersville, David J. Kunkel of Greenwood, Carol Pflum and Bill, Sandra “Sandy” May, all of Connersville; her grandchildren & their spouses: Brian Kunkel of Greenwood, Tracy Buehner and Matt, Lisa Roberts and Brian, all of Connersville, Todd Kunkel and Heather of Greenwood, Ryan Kunkel of Indianapolis, Alycia Wessel and Michael of Greensburg, Troy Kunkel and Adam Kunkel, both of St. Paul, Chris May of Metamora, Greg May and Audrey of McCordsville; 4 step-grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren with another expected soon; several nieces and nephews; her special family friend: David Vansickle of Connersville. In addition to her parents, Alvina is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years John “Josh” Kunkel who died October 27, 2010 and her brothers: Paul, Larry and Edward Frey. The Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Gabriel Church with Reverend Dustin Boehm officiating. Interment will follow in Dale Cemetery, section J. Friends may visit at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and after 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made at the funeral home to St. Gabriel School or to Indiana University Alzheimer Research. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, visit www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.