Warren Joseph Kunkel

Warren Joseph Kunkel, better known as Joe, passed away March 10, 2016 at the American Fork Hospital after many years of poor health, surviving cancer and having numerous other health concerns. He was a fighter until the end just like he fought throughout his life.

Joe was born July 3, 1933 in Pea Green, Colorado to Warren Samuel and Aileen Ruth Gray Kunkel in Pea Green, Colorado. He was the oldest of 3 children.

He grew up in Pea Green, Colorado on the family farm and attended school in Pea Green where he drove the school bus. He graduated from Olathe, Colorado High School. After High School, he served in the US Army in the Nike Missile Brigade at Ft. Lewis, Washington from 1953 to 1955.

He married Katherine Marie (Kay) Bishop June 1, 1958 in Montrose, Colorado. They finally settled in Springville, Utah at the white house on the corner.  The home of the Gardening Man.

Joe was a hardworking man. He worked as a truck driver, as a brick mason, in construction, and in the mining industry.

He was also a gardener. He loved the earth and had a garden every year. He also loved helping the people of Springville.

Joe is survived by his wife, Kay, his sons Warren Lester, Levan Utah, Samuel Keith (Leica) Springville, Utah, Douglas Shane (Donna), American Fork, Utah, Richard Dean (Mindee) Sandy, Utah, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who knew him best as Papa Joe. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Phillip Kunkel and his sister Ruth Stokes, also a son, Dwight David.

Graveside services will be held Thursday, March 17, 2016, at Evergreen Cemetery, (off of Highway 89, 1997 S 400 E, Springville, at 11:00.

The family would also like to extend their gratitude to Heritage Care Center in American Fork, and the American Fork Ambulance and Fire Departments, and the Emergency Room personnel at American Fork Hospital for the kind and loving care they provided Joe and his family.