Julia Kunshek

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Julia Kunshek, age 95, of Pittsburg passed away on October 27, 2017 at her residence, one week shy of her 96th birthday.

She was born in Franklin, Kansas to Antonio and Edith (Rondelli) Verardi on November 3, 1921. On December 16, 1941 she married Henry Kunshek. He preceded her in death on March 13, 1998.

Julia was a wonderful homemaker, cook, and business woman; managing rock quarries, rental housing, a road paving company, and a trucking company. As a young girl, she worked for Dr. Benage and W.T. Grant. During World War II she accompanied Henry to Fort Sam Houston, Texas and Camp McCoy, Wisconsin, working on the military bases as a clerk while he trained. After the war, Julia and Henry bought a flatbed pickup and started hauling trash that had accumulated during the war. They established Kunshek Chat & Coal, Inc. in 1945. She was active in the company until her death. Julia was also very active on local election boards, United Commercial Travelers, and the Westside PTA.

Julia is survived by her son, Robert Kunshek (Betty) of Frontenac, daughter Judith Cawthra (Art) of Joplin, MO and grandchildren Carrie Dickerson (Brian), Scott Kunshek (Kendra), Kevin Crawford (Michelle), and Brett Kunshek (Amber). Great-grandchildren whom she adored are Greta, Maren, and Adelaide (Daisy) Dickerson, Baron, Strauss, and Duncan Kunshek and Noah and Lauren Crawford and Seville and Piper Kunshek.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Oliana Utermoehlen, two brothers, Luigi Verardi and Tony Verardi, and an infant grandson.

Funeral Services will be at 10:30 am on Monday (Oct. 30) at the Brenner Mortuary with Fr. Thomas Stroot as celebrant. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 pm Sunday at Brenner Mortuary, where friends may call after 10 a.m. Sunday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Franklin Miners’ Museum or Mt Carmel Cemetery Fund. These may be left at or mailed to Brenner Mortuary, 114 East 4th Street, Pittsburg, KS 66762. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg.