Obituary of Pauline Marie Kunk

Pauline Marie Kunk, 88

Polly passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on September 21, 2019 in Tucson, Arizona.

Pauline Siefring was born on August 3rd, 1931 in St. Marys, OH. On April 18, 1950 Polly married the love of her life and father of her children Leo J. Kunk.  Together they raised 10 children.

Pauline is survived by her husband of 69 years Leo Kunk of Tucson, AZ, and her children: Ronald (Pamela) Kunk of Sidney, OH, Ginny (John) Mandzak of Monroe, OH, Dennis (Shirley) Kunk of Celina, OH, Clem (Donna) Kunk, of Tucson, AZ, William Kunk, of Canela, AZ, Marilyn (Andrew) Pastizzo, of Wynantskill, NY, Timothy (Timilee) Kunk of Tucson, AZ, Gerald (Muria) Kunk, of Sparta, WI, Cynthia (William) Beringson of Tucson, AZ, Donna Jean (Jim) Thompson, of Tucson, AZ.

She is also survived by her brother Wilbert Siefring of Kentucky, sister Barbara Winner of Ohio, 27 grandchildren, and 38 great-grandchildren with several more on the way.

She is preceded in death by her three grandsons, twins Robert and Michael Rabe, Nikolas Kunk, as well as her brothers and sisters Lawrence, Harold, John, her twin Paul, Laurena Frilling, Mary Heitkamp, and Delores Hemmelgarn.

Pauline spent most of her life as a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. As the matriarchal commander in chief and dedicated wife, she and her children assisted her husband with daily chores on their Ohio dairy farm.

Moving west in 1978 to Willcox, Arizona they continued farming side by side for some years. At that time, they broadened their horizons by managing the Holstein calf’s operation, working for the largest dairy farm on this side of the Mississippi, Shamrock Farms. 

She and Leo would spend many hours playing midwestern cards games. Their favorites were pinochle and euchre which are a tradition that continues in the family today. Later during her retirement years Polly also enjoyed crocheting, playing piano, autoharp, organ, guitar and shuffleboard with friends and family.

Pauline was a legendary cook and baker.  Country cooking with all the fixin’s were her specialty. Each generation has enjoyed her fried chicken, sauerkraut soup, peach pie, homemade bread, cinnamon rolls and coffee cake which were undoubtedly the favorites.

Many will remember her as a faithful member of St. Francis de Sales Parish. Polly had a deep love and devotion to the Virgin Mary.

Her zest for life and spunky personality will be missed by all.

Visitation will be held Thursday, September 26th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Bring's Funeral Home, 6910 East Broadway Blvd. Tucson, AZ with the Rosary to be said at 7:00 pm.
 

A Catholic Mass will be held by Rev. Robert Tamminga on Friday, September 27th at 10:00 am, St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church 1375 S. Camino Seco, Tucson, AZ 85710.

Burial service will follow at Holy Hope Cemetery, 3555 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, AZ 85705.

Donations for memorial masses in honor of Pauline Kunk may be made to St. Francis de Sales, 1375 S. Camino Seco, Tucson, AZ 85710.

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