ELISABETH MARGARET KUNKEL

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ELISABETH MARGARET KUNKEL

(nee BERGBUSCH)

January 19, 1932 - November 4, 2025

Elisabeth Margaret Kunkel was born in New Sarepta, Alberta, the third of ten children of Rev. Dr. Julius and Maria Bergbusch. Raised in a close Lutheran family of first and second generation German immigrants to Canada, she learned responsibility early and developed a lifelong love of reading, music, and learning. She educated as a registered nurse at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon, graduating in 1953, and married Rev. Johann Kunkel the same year. Together they served Lutheran parishes across the Prairies (Meadow Lake, SK; Golden Spike, AB; Rosenfeld, MB). From 1964 to 1972 Elisabeth, Johann and family served as missionaries in Liberia, West Africa, where her compassion and public health skills met deep purpose.

After returning to Winnipeg, Elisabeth resumed nursing at Oakview Place Nursing Home and later at Mount Carmel Clinic, where she proudly became president of CUPE Local 2343. In her 60s she achieved an independent advanced nursing practice credential with Health Canada and served in the northern Manitoba communities of Pukatawagan and Brochet. She returned to Mount Carmel Clinic and retired in 1996.

Committed to learning, Elisabeth completed a B.A. in both Women’s Studies and Canadian History at the University of Winnipeg, receiving the Gold Medal in 1996. She supported feminist perspectives and encouraged all her children to pursue education. Her professional and personal life reflected a steadfast commitment to social and environmental justice and sustainability long before such terms were widely used. Together, she and Johann worked to advance peace locally, nationally and internationally. They volunteered for organizations including Project Peacemakers, Project Opikihiwawin (an organization that supported families with adopted Indigenous children), the New Democratic Party (NDP), the local food bank, and the Winnipeg Labor Choir. They were involved in initiating the North End Sponsorship Team (NEST) for refugee support. Elisabeth served on the board of Canadian Lutheran World Relief. Elisabeth believed in using her voice and skills for the common good and mentored others in advocacy. She is remembered for her integrity, humor, and unwavering belief that small acts of care can create lasting change.

Predeceased by her husband Johann and siblings, Gerhard, Doris and Victoria. Forever cherished by her children and their partners: Deborah (the late Eduardo), Dorcas (Terry), Lois (John), Kathryn (Dwight), Jeremy (Tamara), and John Adam. Lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Josiah, Benjamin, Johannah, Matthew, Luke, Christopher, Robert, Jonathan, Asher and Tobias and her great-grandchildren: Malikai, Elijah, Islie, Sullivan, Beatrice and Ava. Elisabeth will be missed by her siblings: Eric (Jackie), Ernest (Doreen), Martin (Judy), Katharine, John (Pauline) and Peter (Jean) and her many nieces, nephews and extended family.

The family held a private burial November 7, 2025. A public Celebration of Life is planned for February 14, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Kateri Tekakwitha, 265 Flora Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, which was formerly Trinity Lutheran Church where Elisabeth’s family had generations of history.

Our family would like to thank the caregivers at Simkin Centre for their care and kindness.

In Elisabeth’s memory, donations may be made to the Canadian Lutheran World Relief at #400-185 Carlton Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 3J1 or locally to the Trinity Food Pantry with cheques made to their sponsor Grace Lutheran Church and marked Trinity Food Pantry and mailed to Grace Lutheran Church, 211Kimberly Ave Winnipeg MB R2K 0X3. Or you may e-transfer to glchurch@mymts.net, designated for Trinity Food Pantry.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 31, 2026