Frieda Olga (Neumann) Kunkel

A celebration of her life was conducted at Grace Lutheran Church in Marlin, Texas, on Friday, January 24, 2014, at 2 p.m. with Rev. Kurt Rutz, officiating. Burial is at Calvary Cemetery in Marlin, Texas.

Frieda was born on February 27, 1916, at her home in Falls County, Texas, to her proud parents, Robert Neumann and Clara (Drews) Neumann. Many of her fond memories of her childhood included the times when she would take care of her six brothers and two sisters. She was the second oldest of her siblings and was often responsible for preparing the meals and taking care of the younger ones when family members worked the farm crops. With great delight she would often recount the many predicaments they would get into and the fun they had together. On April 9, 1916, Frieda was baptized into Christ’s family at St Paul Church located in the St. Paul community near Marlin. That relationship continued throughout her entire life and she later confirmed her faith in Jesus as her Lord and Savior through her Rite of Confirmation on April 13, 1930, at Grace Lutheran Church, Marlin, Texas. She remained a member of Grace for her entire earthly life.

Frieda married Elmo Edward Kunkel on November 27, 1935, and together they had four children.

Her infant son, Donald Edward Kunkel, predeceased her; and her husband, Elmo died April 18, 1970. Frieda is survived by her three daughters, Doris Schmedthorst, Sandra Roberson, and Sharon Folks and son-in-law, Gary Folks. Frieda had seven grandchildren: Annette Crook; Robin Schmedthorst; Mark Schmedthorst and wife, Adria; Laura Roberson; Jessica Roberson; Brandi Cobb and husband, Tim; Brandon Folks and wife, Sarah. She was also blessed with five great-grandchildren: Tiffany Moran; Aimee Toten; Allie Schmedthorst; Lilah Schmedthorst; and Jadeyn Cobb. In addition, she was further blessed to have two great-great grandchildren: Chad (CJ) Moran, Jr. and Caprice Pankonien. All of them enjoyed the times they could be with her. Frieda was a woman of faith in her beloved Jesus Christ and did not hesitate to share that faith to those she met either through personal witness or as a role model by reflecting Christian love to others.

Because Frieda’s life expanded nearly a century she saw many changes. She recounted stories of when she was about 10 years old riding on a wagon down to the San Antonio area along with her cousin to be a cook for several relatives who where creating buildings in that area at that time. Frieda had a great memory for numbers and dates. She used that God given gift to let others know how special they were as she would call all of her family: children, brothers, sisters, in laws, nieces and nephews, and friends on their birthdays to let them know how special she thought each one was and to wish them a wonderful birthday. Then, a few years back while visiting with her daughter, she was quite pleased to be able to say that she had joined the current world technology. After some instruction she was able to type a letter on the computer and sent an email to a niece.

During her life, together with her husband, she raised turkeys and cattle for resale. They grew crops such as corn, cotton, and hay. She enjoyed sewing, baking, plants and gardening. On their farm they had a large vegetable garden. A few years before her husband died she began working at the Ben Franklin Store in Marlin. Later, she worked at the Kenwin’s Dress Shop where she was promoted to manager of the store. She served the Marlin community in this capacity a number of years before her retirement.

In addition, to her immediate family, Frieda is survived by brothers, Raymond Neumann and wife Dareatha; L.D. and wife Irene Neumann; and sisters, Erna Feldmann; and Florine and husband R.D. Panonien.

Her son, husband; parents; son-in-law, Robert Schmedthorst; and bothers, Falten, Harry, Theo, and Edgar Neumann preceded her in death.

Frieda relied entirely on her rock, Jesus Christ to see her through numerous struggles during her life. She leaves a legacy of faith and love for all those who knew her.