Walter A. Kuranda

June 15, 1919 – February 10, 2016

Mr. Walter A. Kuranda, age 96, of Cecil was called home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at his home, surrounded by his family.

Walter was born on June 15, 1919 in Harvey, Illinois to the late Casimier and Agnes (Antolak) Kuranda. On April 27, 1943 Walter married the love of his life, Bernice (Jenkins) Kuranda in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Walter and Bernice resided in Wauconda, Illinois until they retired and moved to Cecil, Wisconsin in 1986.

Walter was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Gillett, WI and a member of the Knights of Columbus in Wauconda, IL. Walter was an avid farmer, gardener, and made the most gorgeous wood work projects you have ever seen. Walter loved spending time with his family, and sharing his life stories with anyone who would listen. Walter enjoyed dancing; he was so light on his feet that he just carried you away with him. Walter built two houses from the ground up to raise his family in.

Walter is survived by his eight children and their spouses: Walt Kuranda of Watertown, WI, Rich (Betsy) Kuranda of Black Creek, WI, Janet (Mike) Laffoon of Rockford, IL, Steve Kuranda of Port Richey, FL, Marilyn (Frank) Blatchford of Poplar Grove, IL, Carol Daily of South Barrington, IL, Betsy Malnati of Rolling Meadows, IL and Vicki Huffman of Shawano, WI. Walter is further survived by 27 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren, 15 great-great-grandchildren; four sisters: Christine Riesselmann, Agnes Zastrow, Angie Williams, Sophie (Harry) Pachniak, a brother-in-law Joe (Judi) Jenkins and a sister-in-law Gloria Jenkins, a daughter-in-law Carrie Kuranda of Mukwonago, and his very special friend, Irene Dziak.

Walter was preceded in death by his loving wife Bernice, three sons: Ted, Stan and Gary Kuranda. Walter was also preceded in death by three brothers: Frank (Helen), Bill (Frances), Joe (Pat) Kuranda; a sister Eva (Al) Bielen, four brothers-in-law: Clarence Jenkins, Riley Jenkins, Clifford Williams and George Riesselmann and a sister-in-law Viola (Chet) Haney.

Friends and relatives may call from 4 to 8 PM on FRIDAY, February 12, 2016 at the KUEHL FUNERAL HOME, Gillett, WI. A prayer service will be held at 7:30 PM. Visitation will continue on SATURDAY, February 13, 2016 from 12 noon to 12:45 PM at St. John’s Catholic Church in Gillett. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 1 PM with the Reverend Luke Ferris officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery.

The family would like to thank the ThedaCare hospice nurses, CNA’s and volunteers: Barb Meier, Pam Meyer and all of the family members who assisted in caring for Walter over the last several months.

In lieu of flowers, Walter’s family has requested that memorials be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.