Our parish team came together in a marvelous way in the past few weeks to say goodbye to Fr. Kunkel, our pastor of so many years, and pay him the highest honor possible. No one I spoke to has had to say goodbye this intimately to a pastor, including myself, but we became quick learners. In addition to Patty and Jeffrey Lovelidge and their staff at Harkins Funeral Home, and Msgr. Jay O’Connor representing Archbishop Lori, there are many in the parish who should be mentioned for their part in making Father comfortable before his death, and many who prepared and executed the viewings and beautiful Mass of Christian Burial that celebrated not only his life with us, but also his current life in heaven.

         

Fr. Kunkel often said that he didn’t want to leave anyone out in his messages of appreciation, so he never mentioned names, but only said thank you, thank you, thank you! I’m going to depart from that tradition by mentioning names. If I don’t mention you I will blame my failing memory rather than any attempt to short-change anyone, so I beg your forgiveness in advance!

First, my loving wife Jackie, who has kept me upright and moving forward through all this – her ideas and support are treasures that I am so lucky to be blessed with! 

The parish staff – Barbara Sadler, Diana Weidner, Rachel Bittner, Karen Dietz and Larry Glos, all of whom worked lovingly to plan the timing of the viewings and keep track of clergy attendees at the Mass, and setting up of the parish hall for all the viewings, livestreaming the Mass and reception after. Karen, and Kathy Ayres – I first lost it when I saw your angels lead us out of Mass on Sunday morning! Eric Rhodes, despite serious family responsibilities that weekend, served faithfully to livestream the Mass to the parish website, and also so it could be viewed in the hall for overflow attendees. Susie Oursler gave us words like “uncomplicated”  and “devoted” to describe the parish that Father shepherded all these years.

       

Many thanks to Lee Surkin and Venis Knight and all the members of the Knights of Columbus who participated in the Rosary on Sunday morning and faithfully provided honor guards for the Mass on Monday as well as the nine hours of viewings on Saturday and Sunday. On guard duty were Lee Surkin, Venis Knight, Bob McConnell, Mike Dodson, Jim Janinski, Chris Raab, Norm Yost, Mark Fetter, Lee Eder, and Joe Dlugokenski. Thanks to all of you!  Archbishop Lori, as Supreme Chaplain, was impressed, at the Knights’ visible presence on Monday in particular.  

          

Charlotte Yost and her hospitality ministry provided setup and delicious food for the reception, and many parishioners provided wonderful desserts.

           

Jim Poole, John Monius, Rick Hushon, Bill Hushon, Joe Glackin Jr., Neil Bittner and Dave Waggner served as pallbearers.     

           

Nicholas Zurowski, Rachel Bittner, and a group of singers larger than any I’ve seen, provided the inspiring music for the Mass.  It included cantoring by Hannah Bittner, and a beautiful rendition of the Ave Maria by Charlie Suter. Jack Smith, Jeremy Smith and Mike Dodson served as sacristans handling all the extra equipment for the bishops. Ellen and Gary Dumer offered their reflections on Father from the heart during Mass and in the obituary authored by Ellen. Joy Fender made sure we had the expertise of Cathy Smith, Mark Fetter and Sue Pardo as eucharistic ministers augmenting Archbishop Lori and Bishop Madden.

           

In the background, Joanne McConnell provided great comfort and solace to Karen Ahlstrom, Father’s sister, throughout this struggle, along with Cathy Smith, who took charge of Karen and Richard after the reception. Joanne also provided a wonderful buffet for all in the rectory during the Sunday viewings. One of the visiting priests commented to me that the parish is “a little gem.” We all know it to be true!

So many faithful parishioners helped Father in the mornings and evenings in the past few months, and provided rides and food for his meals. Thanks to you all, including Frank and Janice Bowman, Cindy and John Monius, Bob & Becky Stewart, Helen Pigg, Mary Baranco, Denise and Jim Edwards, Pauline Wolfe, John Trujillo, Nancy Smith, Mark and Alice Gerick, Mike and Maude Ziegler, Ann Chaney, Don and Sandy Hanky, Bonnie Hushon, Mary Childress, Deb Black, Diane Eakes, Linda Marucci, Mary Stewart, Pat Suter, Mary Washburn, Sue Pardo, Mike Krechel, Lee Surkin, Roger Oursler, Mark Chamberlain, Dave Racine, Tim Mackey, Neil Bittner, Mark Fetter, and Larry Glos.  There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that St. Mary’s is a loving community that takes care of not only its own but anyone in need.  Well done, everyone!!

Thank You!!   Thank You!!  Thank You!!

Deacon Phil