Lee W. Hunkeler, 86 of Kenosha, passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on May 27, 1929 in Kenosha to the late Julius and Esther (McCosky) Hunkeler.

Lee attended local schools and was a 1947 graduate from Mary D. Bradford High School. He continued his education and received his degree in Industrial Engineering from U.W. Madison where he was active in his fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

He proudly served our country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.

On August 11, 1962 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church he was married to the love of his life, Dolores A. Brittelli.

Lee was employed for several years at Johns Mansville as the head of the engineering department before moving on to American Motors/Chrysler as the manager of the Car Shipping Department.

He was a dedicated member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church and their Holy Name Society. Lee belonged to many groups and organizations including the Chrysler Executive Group, Kenosha Symphony Orchestra, the former Elks Lodge #750 in Kenosha, Roma Lodge, Kenosha Country Club, and he was one of the founding members of the Tremper High School Athletic Booster Club. Lee also belonged to Kenosha Little Theater where he built many of the stage sets, because of his talent in carpentry.

Lee was an avid Wisconsin Badger fan and held season tickets to both football and basketball games. He was also a big fan of the Tremper High School Football Program where his son-in-law, Frank Jr. is the coach.

Lee loved to travel and took his family on many vacations that included visiting all 50 states and to several European countries. In his later years, the joy and love of Lee’s life were his grandchildren, Katelyn and Kyle who will greatly miss him. He will be remembered as a very loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Lee is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Dolores Hunkeler; his daughter, Wendy (Frank, Jr.) Matrise; his grandchildren, Katelyn and Kyle Matrise; his brother, Richard (Rosemary) Hunkeler; his sister, Anita (E.E.) Decker; his sister-in-law, Oakley Gerth, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Lee’s family expresses their profound gratitude to the nurses and staff of Hospice Alliance, Inc., and would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the many prayers of friends.

Service Info

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 25, 2015. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 1919 54th St. Relatives and friends are invited to meet at the church for the Mass. Entombment with full military honors will follow in All Saints Mausoleum.