Dolores M. Kundinger

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Dolores M. Kundinger, (De) age 78, of Auburndale, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 30 at Wells Nature View (in Marshfield).

On Monday, October 9, there will be visitation at Hansen Schilling Funeral Home (1010 East Veterans Parkway) in Marshfield from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.   De’s memorial service, officiated by Deacon Ray Draeger, will begin at Noon.  Immediately following the service, family and friends are invited to Hansen’s dining room to continue the celebration of De’s life and to share a “home” cooked meal together.   At approximately 3pm – guests will proceed to St Mary’s Cemetery in Auburndale for De’s burial service.   

Lori Roux, Steve Kundinger, Steve Breu, Dennis Kundinger, Joel Anderson and Troy Feltz will lovingly escort De to her final resting place.

Dolores (and her twin sister Doris) were born June 18, 1945 to Dorothy and Anthony Miller in Marshfield, WI. She attended Columbus High School and in her younger years, she worked for the canning company and Weinbrenner Shoe Factory.    

On November 4, 1967, De married the love of her life, James Kundinger at St Michael’s Catholic Church in Hewitt.  Together they labored and enjoyed the journey of raising their daughters on the family farm in Auburndale.  

Over the years, De was very involved with her community.  Her memberships included St Mary’s Catholic Church, Christian Mothers, Marshfield Eagles Auxiliary, Family Dairies and the Central WI State Fair Association.  She worked for many funerals and weddings; peeling potatoes, baking pies and waiting on tables.  She never turned down an opportunity to help others.   She enjoyed working at the Marshfield Fair for many years and meeting so many people; from her coworkers to the vendors; from the exhibitors who stopped by to chat to the artists she was fortunate to meet backstage.  That was truly an exciting time of year for her.

Being a farmer’s wife kept her busy doing chores, hauling calves to Equity, running for parts, running back for the RIGHT parts and making meals while spoiling her family with her amazing culinary skills.  Family favorites include De’s roll-out Christmas cookies (white and molasses), meatloaf patties, fudge, cornflake bars, and of course, wedding dumplings.

In her spare time, De loved spending time with her family and friends.  It didn’t matter if you were spending a full day competing for bargains at garage sales, playing bingo, shaking dice, playing boardgames or cards (doesn’t matter which game you played – De was going to win) or just sitting on her deck visiting.  When times were quiet, she enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune, Young & the Restless, Molly B and Porter Wagoner on TV, knitting hats, doing word-searches, putting puzzles together and yelling at her Packers.  Every Sunday, she had her radio blasting polka music (unless Dorothy made her turn it down).  Some of De’s favorites include “Old Rocking Chair”, “Blue Skirt Waltz”, songs that referenced something about “going bowling” and “a pet bee”.   And of course, “Alice”. 
 

De took great pride in her Grandchildren and cheered them on at sporting and archery events.  She extended her home to her daughters’ and grandchildren’s friends who affectionally called her “Mom” and “Grandma”.  De embraced them as family; providing snacks and getting in on their game time.    Anyone who attended Arpin Tractor Pulls in past years will forever remember De’s cheers for Diane and John (which could easily be heard over all the tractor noise).   She was instrumental at Deer Camp; keeping hunters stocked with candy bars, coffee and an abundance of food.  She always grabbed a knife to help skin and debone venison.  She did not appreciate, however, Paul waking her up from her nap with the buck grunt. 

Those that knew De best will miss trying to beat her at cards or boardgames, her ninja-like reflexes to take that dollar out of your hand, swipe the frosting off your cake or dominate a game of spoons. She had quick-wit, a magnetic personality, an amazing smile, an infectious laugh and a heart of gold. 

De leaves behind her daughters:   Diane (Paul) Witzel of Marshfield and Dorothy (John) Hardesty of Arpin; grandchildren:  Amanda (Kyle) Bleibaum of Arpin and Randall Witzel of Marshfield; and great-grandchildren:   Everett and Lincoln Bleibaum of Arpin. She is further survived by her twin sister: Doris Nuernberger; sisters: Carol Kundinger and Joyce Holden and her in-laws: Patsy Kust, Kay Howeisch, Tom (Diana) Kundinger and Betty Hocking; along with numerous relatives, neighbors and friends.

Those greeting her in heaven include her husband of 51 years, Jim (oh, how they are enjoying polkas and waltzes together in heaven); her parents Dorothy and Anthony; her brother DuWayne Miller and sister Donna Breu; granddaughter Molly Hardesty and other family and friends who are all missed immensely.

De was truly generous with her time and talents; never hesitating to help someone in need.  Therefore, the family is establishing the Dolores Kundinger Memorial Fund and any monetary remembrances will be used to share De’s legacy and generosity with others.

For your convenience, online condolences may be made at www.hansenschillingfuneralhome.com

To the world, she was De.
To her family; she was our world.

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