Wesley Kunkee

Wesley Albert Kunkee, age 86, passed away at Emerald Nursing and Rehab in Columbus, NE on Sunday, June 5, 2022, with family by his side.

Memorial services are 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 11, 2022, at McKown Funeral Home in Columbus. Visitation is 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Interment is in the Bellwood Cemetery with Military Honors by the Hartman Post #84 American Legion Honor Guard.

Wesley Kunkee was born September 13, 1935, to Albert and Edna (Jones) Kunkee in David City, NE. He attended grade school at West Olive Grade School in David City and then went on to David City Public School. After graduation, he served in the US Army for 2 years. After his honorable discharge, Wesley helped his dad on the farm for a few years. He then started his career at Behlen Manufacturing, where he worked for over 40 years as a foreman and brake operator. He married Cyndi Osantowski on December 2, 1974, creating a blended family with Cyndi's three sons that Wesley treated and loved like his own. They also had two children together.

They had a small acreage and built a house in rural Shelby, NE where he enjoyed gardening, tinkering in his garage, and reading. Wesley loved having the grandkids over and playing monopoly and games outside. After retiring, the couple enjoyed going on camping trips.

Wesley was a simple, hardworking, brave, and strong man who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by:
Wife- Cyndi Kunkee of Shelby
Daughter- Debbie (Brian) Micek of Columbus
Son- Brian (Marci) Kunkee of Genoa
Son- Jim Calmer of Council Bluffs, IA
Son- Marc Calmer of Omaha
Brother- Harold (Joan) Kunkee of Lincoln
Sister- Dolores Zimmer of Wheaton, MN
Sister- Lois Hall of Columbus
Brother Lyle Kunkee of Clarkson
11 Grandchildren:
Brandon, Brooke, Ethan and Curtis Micek
Garrett and Tricia Kunkee
Cody and Dylan Calmer
Shane, Marcus and Kylie Calmer
2 great grandchildren:
Benjamin Calmer
Bodie Hueschen
Many nieces and nephews

He is preceded in death by:
Parents- Albert and Edna Kunkee
Sister- Lola Mastera
Brother-in-law- George Mastera
Nephew- Doug Mastera
Brother-in-law- Duane Zimmer
Son- John Calmer
Daughter-in-law- Michelle Calmer
Infant Grandson- Brandon Calmer