Ann Marie Kunkel
- Ann Marie Kunkel, CAPTAIN, NC, USN (RET)
Ann Marie Kunkel, who was born July 24, 1943 in Hazelton, Pennsylvania, died at the age of 80 at St Michael Medical Center, Silverdale Washington on August 16, 2023. After high school graduation, Ann completed a nursing degree at Hazelton State General Hospital School of Nursing and worked at several civilian hospitals (including Massachusetts General in Boston) before joining the United States Navy, Nurse Corps in 1973. Over her 27-year successful career she was stationed at San Diego (twice), Oakland, China Lake, and Camp Pendleton California; Okinawa Japan (twice); Bremerton Washington and Sigonella Sicily. She also completed her master’s degree at Seattle University. Following retirement from the Navy, Ann relocated to Bremerton Washington where she worked as a civilian in the Ambulatory Procedure Unit, Bremerton Naval Hospital.
Military decorations include Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Ribbon (gold star).
After retirement, Ann fulfilled her dream of owning a dog & Hanna soon became “ruler of the house”. She was quickly followed by Allie, Lady, Abby & Daisy as well as many other four-legged friends (i.e. Red, Cody, Alexander, Ehd [the “eight hundred dollar dog”], Piper, & Shredder). Many dogs knew that Ann kept dog treats in her coat pockets just for them.
Ann was preceded in death by her parents Daniel Oscar and Anna Rose Kunkel and her brother Daniel Oscar Kunkel, Jr. She is survived by sisterin-law Pattricia Mazaika, nephew Stephen Kunkel, extended relatives and a host of friends scattered across the United States.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the ASPCA or animal rescue of your choice.
A special thank-you to Judy Pratt, Jeanne Lampi and Patsy Larson for their friendship and dedicated support.
Per request, no formal services will be held. Friends will privately celebrate her life. Ann will be remembered as a generous, loyal friend and respected Navy nurse. She will be missed dearly by all those who knew her.