Peggy Guizzetti Kunkel
My earliest memory of Uncle Joe was when we went to see him at his chicken farm when I was quite young. I couldn’t in my wildest imagination figure out how he took care of all those chickens as we walked through the barn. I remember thinking that he was so kind and gentle with his chickens. He was kind and gentle with me also. I did flinch when Uncle Joe told me that they ate eggs for breakfast every day. I was not fond of eggs and I felt sorry for my cousins. Turned out, Ginny told me they liked eggs.
My Uncle Joe was my dad’s (John Guizzetti) younger brother. They grew up in North Dakota on a farm. My dad loved Joe--they were brothers; he also considered Joe best friend. They were close. Uncle Joe & Aunt Alma, Ginny, Joe, and Steve would often come over to The Ranch restaurant on weekends to visit. We kids loved it as we got to play with our cousins often until dark. There was an occasion when we were playing hide and seek. One of my brothers decided to hide on the roof. His dog followed him up there. One of the customers saw the dog on the roof and came in and told my dad: “John, I have had too much to drink; there’s a dog running on your roof.”
As a young mother and wife, my husband Roy and I went dancing occasionally. On one occasion, we met Joe and Alma at one of the dance places. Joe and Alma loved western music. We were so surprised when Joe told us he and Alma went dancing every week. It impressed me how much they enjoyed each other; it impressed me more that they danced every dance! Joe did save a dance for me that night as we switched partners on the dance floor. But Roy and I found out we were not in as good shape as they were. We couldn’t keep up the pace and dance every dance.
My Uncle Joe had an amazing life. He was not only an entrepreneur in his own right; he was a fantastic family man. The benefits of his hard work are a testimony and an inspiration what one can do if they just try. He laid the path for others to watch and succeed as well.
Uncle Joe was devoted to his family. It is difficult realizing he is no longer here. Dear Aunt Alma, and our dear cousins Ginny, Joe, and Steve and their families, we are so sorry for your loss. You have our deepest sympathy and you are in our thoughts and prayers as you grieve. May your memories bring you comfort at this time.
Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get: we make a life by what we give.” Uncle Joe, we thank the Lord for your life and inspiration you gave to each of us. Rest in peace Uncle Joe, you will be missed.
With my most heartfelt sympathy,
-Peggy Guizzetti Kunkel (niece)
