Kounkel, Byron Keith (1959-2007)

KOUNKEL, KOVARNA, KENNEY, KERN, COOPER, COMBE

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 3/10/2008 at 09:09:04

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, November 27, 2007

Bryon Keith Kounkel, 48, of Red Lake, Minn., and formerly of Hinton, died Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007, at Lakewood Hospital in Staples, Minn.

He was born to Keith and Caren (Kovarna) Kounkel on June 17, 1959, in Le Mars. Bryon married Patricia Ann Kenney on June 25, 2001, in Wadena, Minn.

He worked at Erickson Enterprise in Verndale and later became a member of the Red Lake community. He enjoyed his work, watching football and NASCAR racing, keeping things in order, laughing with family and friends, singing to his wife, family gatherings, and time alone to reflect on life.

He is survived by his wife Patricia; his mother, Caren Kounkel; stepsons, Fred (Michelle) Kern, Jr., Dustin Kern, Jerimiah (Bonnie) Kern, Jesse Kern and Shane Kern; stepdaughters, Erica (Dana) Cooper, and Gabrielle Kern; 11 grandchildren; brothers, Barry (Lori) Kounkel; sister, Pam Combe; niece, Sidney Kounkel; nephews, Joel Kounkel and Alec Combe; numerous uncles, aunts, cousins; and special friends and in-laws.

He was preceded in death by his father; stepdaughter, Stephanie Kenney; uncle, Dale Kovarna; cousins, Lori and David Kounkel; grandparents, Lester and Dewilda Kovarna, and Roy and Lorretta Kounkel.

The Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Round Prairie with Father Christopher Darby as celebrant. Interment was at Calvary Cemetery in Wadena. Arrangements were with Johnson Memorial Home in Wadena. (www.johnsonmemorialhome.com)

Honorary pallbearers were Jesse Kern, Shane Kern, Fred Kern, Jr., Robin Kelly, Charles Kelly, Jr., and Donald Kelly.

Active pallbearers were Fred Kern, Sr., Bernard Dahlvang, Steve Erickson, Dustin Kern, Daniel Kelly, and Johnny Dahlvang.