KUNAMAN: Wilfred R.
February 3, 1921 – June 5, 2017
The death of Mr. Wilfred “Wilf” R. Kunaman of St. Mary’s Villa, Humboldt, SK, occurred at his residence in the early morning of Monday, June 5, 2017. He was 96 years of age. Wilfred was born to Joseph and Anna (nee Grois) Kunaman on February 3, 1921, at Humboldt. He grew up and attained his formal education there. Following his graduation at Humboldt Collegiate Institute, Wilf worked for Tony Stadelman as a construction laborer, and then as a druggist apprentice for Emil Gasser. In April 1943, he accepted a position at the Humboldt Post Office. His postal career spanned a period of 39 ½ years, serving as postmaster for the last 15 years until his retirement in 1982. Wilf joined the Knights of Columbus in 1947, and in those first few years was involved with running the bingo and activing as treasurer of this financial entity. He was a member of the young men’s Board of Trade, and worked every Saturday night at weekly dances in the old Town Hall. After becoming postmaster, Wilf became a member of the Chamber of Commerce and helped set up the first Donor’s Choice organization in Humboldt and area. An avid sports fan, he joined the board of the Humboldt Broncos, was involved with the golf club for more than 50 years, and served as secretary-treasurer during the construction of the Memorial Curling Rink in 1949 and oversaw the purchase of matched rocks and installation of artificial ice. When the curling club was moved to the Uniplex in 1979, Wilf assumed the position of secretary-treasurer of the senior section of the club, a position he held for approximately 12 years. In 1996, bowling took over from curling and he also continued to golf for many years. As well, beginning in the 1950s, Wilf thoroughly enjoyed travelling extensively throughout Europe, Russia, Africa, the Middle East, China, Australia, New Zealand, South America, and Alaska, and spending the winters in Arizona, California, or Florida. From 1997 on, he refrained from lengthy trips, but loved going on some casino excursions closer to home. Other favorite pastimes included wood working, gardening, playing cards, and watching television. Over the years, Wilf possessed strong Roman Catholic beliefs, and attended Mass regularly. Indeed, this quiet, unassuming gentleman led a very full and satisfying life. In 1997, Wilf sold the residence, which had been home to the Kunaman family for 86 years, and moved into a condo. On January 31, 2014, he became a resident of St. Mary’s Villa, his home until the present. Wilf is survived by: one niece, Joan Swain; four nephews: Murray Kraway, Donald Kunaman, Larry Kunaman, and Dale Kunaman; and by 27 grand-and-great-grand-nieces-and -nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Joseph Kunaman (1963); mother, Anna (nee Grois) Kunaman (1983); sister, Verna Kraway (1999); and brother, Harold Kunaman (1977). The Funeral Mass was offered at St. Augustine R. C. Church, Humboldt, on Saturday, June 17, 2017, at 11:30 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Greg Smith-Windsor. Others taking part were: Jacqueline Tokaryk and Darcy White, scripture readers; and Beryl Bauer, intentions. The urnbearer was Donald Kunaman. Music ministry was provided by director Loretta Schugmann, organist Marie Aubin, and members of the St. Augustine Parish Funeral Choir. An honor guard was formed by members of the Knights of Columbus. Interment followed at St. Augustine R.C. Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to the St. Augustine Parish Centre. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
