Annilee G. Kunkle

Annilee G. Kunkle, 83, of Wataga, died at 4:55 p.m. Friday, April 15, 2016 at Marigold Health Care Center.

She was born August 5, 1932 at home in Gilson, the daughter of Laverne M. and Aurora (McKee) Deulen.  She married Ronald E. Kunkle of Wataga on December 31, 1950 at her parent’s home in Galesburg.  They were married nearly 63 years when he preceded her in death on October 7, 2013.

She is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Lee Tucker of Wataga; her son, Royce Laverne Kunkle of Galesburg; seven grandchildren, Larry (and Alissa) Tucker, Matthew (and Shannon) Kunkle, Scott (and Beth) Kunkle, Megan (and Ryan) Bowers, Amanda Kunkle, Kyle Kunkle, and Amber Kunkle; and five great grandchildren, Ethan and Ella Tucker, Jayden and Emma Kunkle, and Nik Erickson.  In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Ellamae Showalter.

Annilee was a volunteer most of her life.  She graduated from Galesburg High School in 1950.  She joined First Baptist Church when she was 12 years old.  She was an active member there for over 45 years.  In later years, Annilee attended church in Wataga.

Annilee opened the Wataga Senior Drop-in Center in 1975.  It was one of the first 12 centers to open in Knox County under the Knox County Older Americans Act.  She directed and operated the center for 29 years.  The center supplied fun, fellowship, meals, bus trips, special holidays, and senior information.  It is still active.

Before starting the center, Annilee was a volunteer secretary for the Children’s Milk Fund sponsored by the Galesburg Post.  She also wrote a column in the Galesburg Post entitled “Wataga Hello”.  This she did for 14 years.  Annilee was named honorary member of the Wataga Lions Club August 24, 1998 for her voluntary services to the community.  She enjoyed cooking for her family, the church, and the Drop-in Center.  In earlier years, she and her husband enjoyed fishing and camping, playing cards, and going to “the boat”.  Annilee also loved to do crossword puzzles.  She loved her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids very much and loved to have family holidays together.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel.  Funeral service will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the chapel with Deacon Michael Crummer and Rev. Amy Holman officiating.  Burial will follow in Wataga Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Wataga Drop-in Center or a charity of the donor’s choice.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.