Nancy Fuelbier Kunkel
Nancy Fuelbier Kunkel, 91, formerly of Quincy, Illinois died January 8, 2021 at a private care facility near her daughter Kristin and her family in Beverly Hills, Michigan.
Nancy was born, December 19, 1929 in Quincy IL, to Louis F. and Eva Wand Fuelbier. She married Arthur J. Kunkel on June 30, 1951, and they celebrated 65 beautiful years of marriage. Art preceded her in death on November 26, 2016.
Nancy graduated from Notre Dame High School and Quincy University where her musical talents and her glorious operatic voice were shared with the Quincy Community. She coupled her love of music with a pursuit and passion for Education, that resulted in completing post graduate work in Guidance and Counseling.
Nancy was well-known in Quincy music circles, haven given her Graduation Recitals at both Notre Dame Conservatory and the Quincy Conservatory of Music, and numerous stage productions while at Quincy University. In her senior year at Quincy University, she auditioned at the Muny-Opera in St. Louis; and was invited to join the highly competitive Muny Vocal Production Troop.
Nancy devoted her professional life to education and advising the youth of Quincy, watching them grow in their lives and in their pursuits. She was a valued part of the Quincy Public School system for over 50 years and after retirement, enjoyed an adjunct role at St. Peters School as Guidance Counselor. One of her coworkers said it best, “She was truly one very, very special lady who touched the lives of so many students; so many times, she would provide those less fortunate with things they would have never experienced. The work she did “behind the scenes” changed countless lives for the better.”
Nancy was a lifelong member of St. Peters Catholic Church. She cherished her faith and knew it provided her strength to bear the cross of more than 40 years with Multiple Sclerosis.
Nothing meant more to Nancy than her family and friends. She is survived by her daughter Kristin Kunkel Frohn, Kristin’s husband Brad, and her four Grandchildren: Kaitlin, Keaton, Kendall, and Kelsey. Nancy cherished the memories and experiences with her daughter and her children. She is also survived by a nephew, Dennis Arthur Campbell, his wife Nancy and their daughter Lisa. Nancy’s extended family and lifelong friendships were her greatest treasures.
In addition to her husband, Art, Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Eva Fuelbier; two sisters: Jane Fuelbier Harris and her husband William Harris; Patricia Fuelbier Donald and her husband David W. Donald; her Parents-in-Law Hildagarde Zimmerman Kunkel and Arthur V. Kunkel and Sister-in-law Marjorie Kunkel Campbell and her husband Raymond Campbell.
Funeral Mass and a Celebration of Life will be July 2, 2021 at 10:30 AM at the Church of St. Peter in Quincy, IL. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Quincy. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 1, 2021 from 4:00 until 7:00 at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. The family suggests that memorials be made to Quincy Notre Dame, the Franciscan Friars of Quincy University, or the Quincy Society of Fine Arts. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements
My deepest sympathy to the family. Nancy was quite the lady and while at Good Sam had many friends that truly loved her. Nancy used to always call me “Missy” when she needed assistance. She will be missed!! Rest in Peace, dear Nancy!!
I had Mrs. Kunkel @ Junior High. What a gem of a person. She was so easy to talk to. I’m so sorry for your loss! Praying for all of you.
God Bless Mrs.”K” at eternal peace in the hands of our heavenly Father reunited with her sweet Artie. Nancy & Art’s most cherished gift was you Kristin, who with Brad, Kaitlin, Kendall, Keaton & Kelsey are blessed to carry-on Nana & Bumpa’s legacy. You all are in our prayers as you celebrate your Mother & Nana’s long well lived life. She helped so many students & youth in her years as Guidance Counselor & I will never forget her singing Happy Birthday in her beautiful operatic voice. Treasured times with the Kunkel family will always be remembered, so many of those in Florida. Bless Mrs. “K” who will always be in our hearts. Lisa & Tom Scholz and the Musolino Family
Mrs Kunkel was a classy lady, warm and caring. I had the privilege of having Nancy, Jane and Pat as teachers. My condolences to Kristin and the family. She will be missed by all who had the opportunity to know her.
Kristi, I’m so sorry to hear that your mother passed away. Your mom and dad and mine enjoyed a wonderful friendship thru the years. When I think of your mom, I always see her smiling! She was a lovely lady! My deepest sympathy to you and your family!
Mom and Dad are now together with Jesus! On behalf of the Mary and Martha ministry here at St. Peter’s, we offer you and your family our prayers for peace.
One of the Best!
My Thoughts and Prayers for Mrs Kunkels Family. I have great memories of her from JR. High She was a a good teacher, counselor and friend. R.I.P Mrs.Kunkel. May U fly high.
Mrs Kunkel was the sweetest lady. She was always such a blessing to the students at QJHS. After graduating, I remained in touch with Nancy, as I was blessed with her continued friendship and support. Mr. & Mrs. Kunkel would often come visit me while I worked at my grandmother’s restaurant in the airport – while in high school. Kristin and family, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
She was my brother Robert ‘s teacher and he always admired and respected her. He even introduced his girls to her. Sorry to hear about her
Kristin, my condolences to you and your family. Your mom was so sweet and such a lady. I know she will be missed.
Prayers to your family. Mrs.Kunkel was my block teacher in 7th grade, meaning I had her for more than 1 class.
She was always so upbeat and encouraging and made the unknown of junior high much better having her for a teacher.
I visited her a few years ago at Good Samaritan and her personality was the same years after junior high.
I know she will be missed.
Mrs. Kunkel was absolutely the best. She had a great attitude and a welcoming smile. One of Quincy’s true gems.
What a light to all that knew Mrs. K. She touched so many with her kindness,love and wit. Remembering so many amazing times together. Our hearts will always hold them. She was a treasure to all that knew her.
As a therapist at family service agency I had an opportunity to work with Nancy, Mrs. Kunkel, on numerous occasions. She was caring, and nurturing to the children. She was a professional I truly enjoyed working with. God bless Nancy and her family.
Kristen & family: Sorry to read about your mother’s passing. When I was in 9th grade I was a Miss Merry Christmas candidate. Your mom sang, “There were bells on the hill” as I walked across the stage. She made me feel so special. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I loved her as a teacher and a friend, when I acted up in class she knew how to handle me.
Nancy was the kindest and most welcoming faculty member when I came to teach at Quincy Jr. High School in 1990. I loved her and am thankful I got to know her. I am sorry for your loss Kristi.
Dear Family,
Nancy was a wonderful lady all class and both she and Art made a great team and couple to know. My God bless her soul and receive here reward.
I loved both.
Paul K. Geers
So sorry for your loss Kristen! It doesn’t matter how old they are, losing your mother and last parent is very hard to deal with. My prayers are with you and your family!
I’m so sorry for your guys loss I am summer I use too help Nancy at home with household chores and with exercises before she went and stayed at Good Samaritan home of Quincy Nancy and Art was so amazing I remember when art use to lay out on the floor and eat his icecream