Paul Kunde

Paul Arthur Kunde passed away on December 24, 2016, at his home in Backus at the age of 95 years, 9 months and 2 days. He was born in Olivia, MN, to Robert and Clara Kunde. The family moved to Remer, MN, where he resided until working in the CCC Corps. Paul enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 and during World War II served in Europe with the 82nd Airborne Division making three combat jumps and fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. He later served with the 11th Airborne. Airborne all the way! Paul retired from the Army in 1964 after 21 years of service. He spent the next 15 years working as a construction boilermaker. Paul was a 50 year member of Masonic Lodge 32, a member of Eastern Star, and was a life member of the VFW and American Legion serving as past commander. He was passionate about fishing and golfing and was proud of landing a 37 lb. 12 oz. muskie and getting a hole in one.
Paul is survived by his wife of 65 years, Pauline; daughters: Roberta Slaughter (Michael) of South Carolina, Patricia Lehr (Patrick) of Nebraska, Susan Niehaus (Lee) of Backus; son, Leslie Kunde (Loraine) of Virginia; sister, Florence Blankenship; grandsons, Taylor Lehr and Nathan Kunde.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to a military organization of the donor's choice.
Memorial services will be 11am on Friday, December 30 at Kline Funeral Home in Pine River. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.