Calvin L. Gunkel

Calvin L. Gunkel, 82, Emporia, passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2019 at Stormont-Vail Health, Topeka.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. at Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, Emporia, conducted by Pastor Gene Huston, United Methodist Church, Neosho Rapids, Kansas.  Cremation will follow the service.  The family will receive friends an hour before the service.

Calvin was born in Emporia, Kansas on December 4, 1936, the son of Ralph and Susan (Rosenquist) Gunkel. He grew up in Neosho Rapids, where he developed his love for automobiles, and graduated high school in 1954.  Upon graduation, he went to work for Emporia Tent and Awning.  During this time, he met the love of his life and married Mildred Brickley at the United Methodist Church in Neosho Rapids, Kansas on June 8, 1957.  She survives.

Other surviving family members include daughters; Emily Gunkel and Linda (Max) Raber, both of Emporia.  He is preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Mildred Slead.

Mr. Gunkel attended Kansas State Teachers College (Emporia State University) in Emporia from 1955 to 1960 where upon he took a class that he credits for the success he had in his second career, Industrial Drafting, and received his Bachelors degree in education. Upon graduation, he accepted a position in Mayetta, Kansas where he taught for 2 years.  In 1962, he returned to Emporia to begin teaching at Olpe (Kansas) High School (where he taught until 1988), and KSTC to earn his Masters degree in 1966.  In addition to his teaching career, in 1964 he began a second career in construction which continued until 2017.

A memorial has been established with the Flint Hills Technical College with contributions sent in care of the funeral home, O Box #175, Emporia, Kansas 66801.

Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website; www.robertsblue.com