Lloyd Norval Kunde, 92, of Kenyon, MN, died on Friday, April 18, 2025, at United Hospital in St. Paul after a brief illness.
Lloyd was born in Goodhue, MN, on January 1, 1933, to Edward E. Kunde and Hilda A. (Berg) Kunde.
He graduated from Wanamingo High School in 1950, but his school path took him to many locations including District 69 School, Goodhue Town School, Washington School in Red Wing, Dennison Grade School, Nerstrand High School, and finally Wanamingo High School.
While living in Dennison, he was active in the Boy Scouts and in later years, in FFA. He played football, basketball, and baseball all through his school years, including with the famous Dennison baseball team in the early 1950’s. After his discharge from the Army, he was the catcher for the Kenyon baseball town team for a few years before switching to fastpitch softball. After his playing career ended, he kept his hand in the game as a high school baseball umpire. He had a life-long love for all Minnesota sports teams.
He was drafted into the Army in 1955, and stationed at Andrews AFD Headquarters, 75th AFB Missile Battalion until his discharge in 1957. While in the Army, he had a close encounter with President Eisenhower when they ended up shopping in the same store on base. He was always proud that he was able to salute him in person. Lloyd also had the opportunity to play basketball with future Hall of Fame player, Cliff Hagan.
After high school, he helped on the family farm. On May 2, 1959, he married Evelyn A. Nelson at Hauge Lutheran Church in Kenyon. They made their home in rural Kenyon and dairy farmed for 14 years before the farm was sold. At that time, he attended Dunwoody Institute and then opened K&M Plumbing, Heating, & Appliance Repair in Kenyon. He eventually went solo in the plumbing and heating business, later working with his son, David, until this retirement. Lloyd also sold monuments for over 40 years.
Lloyd is survived by his sons, David (Darcy) and Mark; daughter, Kathy, all of Kenyon; grandchildren: Brian Bartel of Zumbrota, Jennifer Kunde and her partner, Mike Wagner of Rochester, and Sage Kunde of Euclid, OH; great-grandchildren: Shontell, Joe, and Jaxson; great-great-granddaughter Juliet, all of Rochester; sisters: Elrene (Vince) Hamann, Adele Kunde, and Ilice Kunde, all of Minneapolis; sister-in-law, Peggy Nelson of Wanamingo; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 64 years, Evelyn (Nelson) Kunde; son, Steven Kunde; brothers, Harlan and Donald; sister, Ilene; brothers-in-law: Alvin Berg, Robert Ullevig, Harris Nelson, and Roger Nelson; sisters-in-law: Carolyn Kunde, Stella Berg, Gladys Ullevig, and Henrietta Nelson; nephew, Gary Berg; and niece, Susan Berg.
A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Holden Lutheran Church, rural Kenyon with Pastor Dustin Haider officiating. A visitation will be held from 10 AM until the time of service. Lloyd will be laid to rest at the church cemetery with full military honors.
