ESTHER I. KUNKEL
Esther I. Kunkel, age 76 of Batesville, died Thursday, December 3, 2020, at Ripley Crossing in Milan. Born December 12, 1943, in Franklin County, she is the daughter of Marie (Nee: Rahe) and Elmer Barnhorst. She married Irvin Kunkel April 18, 1964 at Holy Family Church in Oldenburg.
Esther was a homebody who loved being with her family. A fan of afternoon soap operas, “Days of Our Lives” was her favorite. Esther’s faith was important to her and in addition to her weekly church obligation, for many years she spent devotion time in the adoration chapel weekly until her health prevented it. She also loved her dog Biscuit and trips to the casino.
She is survived by her husband Irvin; daughters Michelle (Paul) Bushelman of Moores Hill, Tammy (Doug) Housel of Columbus; sons Douglas (Suzanne) Kunkel of Batesville, Steven (Vanessa) Kunkel of Bright; sisters Margie Fisher, Delores Scheele, Lorraine Fullenkamp, all of Oldenburg, Rita Glaub of Morris; brothers Clifford Barnhorst of Batesville, Ronald Barnhorst of Oldenburg and seven grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services are 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 9, at St. Louis Church with Rev. Santhosh Yohannan officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The current Governor’s mandate requires all attendees wear a facemask and observe physical distancing. The mask must cover the individual’s nose and mouth at all times. The family requests memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association.