From the 34th DDs’ meeting: Memorial set for Norman Kunkel

(photo added Thursday courtesy of Georgie Bright Kunkel, shown with husband Norman Kunkel at right, U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott at left)
From the 34th District Democrats‘ meeting, which we’re covering right now at The Hall at Fauntleroy: Condolences to West Seattle writer Georgie Bright Kunkel (of Rosie the Riveters fame, among other things) and family on the death of her husband, 90-year-old Norman C. Kunkel. His obituary is on the 34th DDs’ website; he was a longtime Democratic PCO in the district. He and Georgie were married for more than 60 years, and they wrote a book together about his World War II experience as an Ambulance Corps driver and concentration-camp liberator. His memorial service is set for 3 pm April 18 at Saltwater UU Church in Des Moines. More later from the 34th DDs’ meeting, where County Councilmember Larry Phillips has just pitched his County Executive candidacy (though the group endorsed County Council Chair Dow Constantine in the race at its last meeting), and City Council President Richard Conlin is among those who will be speaking shortly.

cjboffoli April 8, 2009 (8:00 pm)

Oh how sad. It sounds like Mr. Kunkel lived a good, long life. Georgie is such an amazing woman. I hope she’s managing OK.
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When I met her back in February, Georgie told a funny story about her husband. Apparently in his later years some stiffness in his neck and shoulders prevented him from lifting his head up. The doctor suggested that maybe she could attach some pictures to the ceiling above him to give him an incentive to stretch his neck and look up. When she asked him what kind of pictures he wanted to see up there he replied: “Nudes.”

WSB April 9, 2009 (10:41 am)

I sent her a note last night after hearing this news, asking if she had a photo to share (she sent two and I have put one up). She noted having been “married to a wonderful husband and best friend for almost 63 years.” We should all be so lucky. – TR

miws April 9, 2009 (10:56 am)

My condolences to Georgie.

I don’t recall if I ever met Norman, in my time in local retail work, but I have met Georgie, and she’s a delightful woman.

Mike

DP April 9, 2009 (11:15 am)

Have been neighbors with Norm and Georgie since ’88. Not a nicer pair around. They used to raise exotic tomatoes and other plants to sell or give to away, always making friends. I’ve been reading a few pages each day of their book which chronicles his upbringing in the Depression, their budding relationship, and Norm’s wartime experiences in Burma, India, Italy, France, Belgium, and lastly a defeated Germany where Norm helped evacuate starved inmates of the Bergen-Belsen death camp. Norm was a testament to living an honorable life, a life well lived, a commited marriage, a good citizen, neighbor, and friend. Rest in peace, Norman.
ps: The book is in local libraries, or you can buy one from Georgie.

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