In Memory of Clifford H. Wunschel

Clifford H. Wunschel, age 94, of Ida Grove, Iowa passed away on Monday, November 5, 2018, at the Willow Dale Wellness Village of Battle Creek, Iowa.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, November 9, 2018, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. Rev. Richard A. Salcido and Rev. Neil Wehmas will officiate. Committal Services will be held in the Ida Grove Cemetery of Ida Grove, Iowa. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Friday, November 9, 2018, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. The Christensen - Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Clifford Herbert Wunschel, the son of Arthur and Louise (Erichsen) Wunschel, was born in Hayes Township, Ida County, IA, on May 5, 1924. Later the family moved to a farm in Blaine Township, where Clifford attended country school at Blaine #9.  The family moved to the farm north of Arthur, IA, where they resided until moving to Ida Grove in 1996. As a young man, Clifford worked as a farm hand for various farmers in the area.

He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He was a faithful and lifetime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. On April 13, 1947, he married Darlene Gonnerman in the Peace Lutheran Church of Wall Lake, IA. The couple welcomed a daughter, Sharon Ann, who passed away in 1970.

Together Clifford and Darlene farmed, taking care of the land and raising livestock. He always enjoyed talking about his favorite green and yellow farm equipment. After moving to town, Clifford continued doing all he could on the farm helping whenever he could. Clifford had compassion for all animals and could not harm anything.

As a couple they enjoyed taking a ride in the evening and meeting friends to have a cup of coffee. They made coffee for the adult Bible study group every Sunday for over 50 years. In their early years, they completed the Bethel Bible Study series and shared what they learned with church families.

For the past several years Clifford could be found having a cup of coffee at Food Pride with the “guys” at 7 a.m. before they started their day. He was happiest during the day peeling apples and getting his freezer full of fruits and vegetables which he used in his daily cooking.

Survivors include a brother Everett (Judy) Wunschel of Arthur, IA; sisters-in-law Florence Wunschel of Ida Grove, IA and Shirley Gonnerman of Odebolt, IA; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Clifford was preceded in death by his wife Darlene in 2009; daughter Sharon; parents Arthur and Louise Wunschel; two sisters Leona (Henry) Cook and Virginia (Guy) Carlson; two brothers Marvin Wunschel and Leonard (Lois) Wunschel; parents-in-law Chris and Helena Gonnerman; brothers-in-law Raymond (Berdena) Gonnerman, Wallace Gonnerman and Roy Gonnerman.