Funeral Services For Jerry Tunink

Gerhard J. “Jerry” Tunink, 91, formerly of Elgin, passed away Monday, April 6, 2015 at the Golden Living Center in Neligh. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 10, 2015 at St. Boniface Church in Elgin, NE with Rev. Ross Burkhalter and Rev. Owen Korte officiating. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post 229 and VFW Post 5816 of Elgin, NE. Visitation will be 6:00-7:30 p.m. Thursday at the church, with a 7:30 p.m. wake service. Huffman-Levander Funeral Home of Elgin, NE is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.huffmanlevander.com.

Gerhard Joseph Tunink was born January 8, 1924, the fifth child of William and Katharine (Overmohle) Tunink and died April 6, 2015. He received his education at St. Boniface Grade School. On November 11, 1999 he received his Honorary High School Diploma from Pope John High School through the Veterans ‘Operations Recognition’ program. He served in the Navy in the Pacific Theater from May 1944 to May 1946 aboard the USS Yancey A.K.A. 93, and was discharged with the rank of Fire Control Man 3rd Class. 

On August 18, 1947, Jerry married Amelita A. Heithoff.  They were parents of three children: Robert, Carol Ann and Mary Jean. They owned and operated the Tunink Construction Company for 39 years until his retirement in 1985. 

During his retirement years he volunteered his services to his church and community. He was a lifelong member of St. Boniface Church where he held various offices over the years. He also was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus Council 2411, serving as treasurer for 25 years, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5816, and the American Legion Post 229. 

Jerry is survived by two sisters: Loretta Zegers of Petersburg, NE and Mary Ann Kloewer of Columbus, NE; along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Amelita “Lita” in 2010; his three children; a brother Anthony in 1982; sisters Elizebeth Wolff in 2001 and Philomena Wilwerding in 2003; a brother Fr. Wilfrid O.S.B. in 2005; a sister Thresia Tunink in 2014; and an infant brother and sister in infancy.

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