Obituaries
Obituary: Phyllis Marie Kunke (née Francisco)
Most of all, Phyllis was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who created a home filled with warmth and encouragement.
Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.
Phyllis Marie Kunke (née Francisco)
Phyllis M. Kunke, age 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on Monday, May 25, 2026.
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Born November 12, 1938, in Crest Hill, Illinois, she was the beloved daughter of the late William and Catherine Marie (Gianone) Francisco. Phyllis graduated from Lockport High School, attended Joliet Junior College, and began her career at the Army Arsenal Ammunition Plant as a weapons illustrator artist.
Years later, after she was married and had a family, she began swimming at the YMCA, where she competed and won numerous swimming awards locally and nationally. She was then hired by the YMCA as a swim instructor, coordinator and director of many activities.
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Through these experiences she decided to earn her associate’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation, graduating Summa Cum Laude with President’s Honors. With her experiences and degree, Phyllis devoted much of her life helping physically disabled and chronic illness patients with Therapeutic Recreation Activities at Oak Forest Hospital. Her compassion, patience, and commitment to improving the lives of others left a lasting impact on everyone she served.
She was also an accomplished athlete who earned many awards not only in swimming but also in triathlons, biathlons, cross-country skiing, & Winter Carnival events. She truly enjoyed nature through camping, hiking, horseback riding, sailing, bicycling and skiing with friends and family. Phyllis was a woman of many talents who excelled in whatever she pursued, inspiring those around her with her determination, strength, creativity, & adventurous spirit.
Most of all, Phyllis was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who created a home filled with warmth, encouragement, activities, & love. She encouraged her children to be the best they could be, to enjoy life, and to treat others with kindness. She will be remembered for those things, her smile, and her deep love for family & friends. Her memory will forever be cherished by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Norbert Kunke of Elwood, Illinois; her children, Karen Aguilar, Pam (Cary) Lieser, and Don Kunke; grandchildren, Ashley Bates, Ami Jo Collofello, Michelle (Rusty) Caldwell, Alli Kunke, Ben Kunke, Brooke Lieser, and Ellie Lieser; and nine great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, David Joe Kunke; and her brothers, William A. Francisco and Eugene R. Francisco.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care.
Visitation will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until time of Funeral Services at 5:00 p.m. at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet. Cremation rites will follow services.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
