Theresa C. Kunkel

Theresa Kunkel (born Held), 89, of Vancouver, Washington passed away on November 6th, 2021. She was born to Karl Held and Katherine (Fuhrmann) Held on November 21st, 1931 in Esmond, North Dakota. She grew up in Selz, North Dakota and remembers going to school in a horse and buggy in the snow. She married Delbert Kunkel on September 5th, 1955, and they moved out west to Vancouver, WA. They had a happy marriage of 27 years and enjoyed many memorable activities together, one of which was Theresa's favorite - weekly Sunday drives. Theresa held various careers throughout her lifetime which included working at local Vancouver dry cleaners, Tektronix Beaverton, and Nordstrom Vancouver. She retired in 1997 after more than a decade of service as a seamstress at Nordstrom. Theresa developed her love and passion for clothing early on. She became proficient at fabric type and clothing labels with an ease that gave her joy. After retirement, Theresa continued honing her seamstress skills by providing alterations for others out of her home. She truly enjoyed looking sharp, and helping others look good as well. Her knack for altering clothing, resulting in perfectly fitted attire for her numerous customers, was undisputed. Theresa was a great gardener, growing both vegetables and flowers. Theresa enjoyed baking and sewing, but her greatest joy was her granddaughter Olivia and her many friends. Theresa was a member of St. Joe's Catholic Church in Vancouver, WA for many years and enjoyed volunteering at their annual Sausage Festival. Theresa always enjoyed doing things for others and giving to those less fortunate than herself. During her lifetime, Theresa developed a deep relationship with the Lord and enjoyed bible studies and speaking openly with others about her faith. In 2012 Theresa moved into the Van Mall Retirement Community, where she resided until her death. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff and friends at Van Mall Retirement Community, and PeaceHealth Hospice (in her final months) for their loving care of Theresa. Theresa is predeceased by Delbert Kunkel, her loving husband (1982). She is lovingly remembered by her son, Michael C. Kunkel (Diane), Vancouver, WA; granddaughter Olivia Johnston (Tyler), Warrenton, OR; sister Bernadine Meredith (William), Summerville, SC; brother George Held (Sheila), Vancouver, WA; sisters Shirley Smith, Dallas, OR; Angeline Fontana (Richard), Camas, WA; Julia Held, Detroit Lakes, MN; and Janet Larkin (Edward) Fulton, MS. and her numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens located at 1101 NE 112th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98684 on Wednesday, November 17th, 2021. A closed casket ceremony will begin at 12:30pm. Viewing will be available from 11:45am to 12:30pm preceding the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Open House Ministries, PO Box 242 Vancouver, WA 98666 or online at www.sheltered.org.

Theresa C. Kunkel

November 21, 1931 - November 6, 2021