Br. Bob Roddy, OFM Conv. and Mary Ann Reuther pose by a bench dedicated to the memory of the late Deacon Don Kunkel, a longtime retreatant at Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center in Prior Lake. Deacon Don was instrumental in Mary Ann coming to Prior Lake.

Donor Story – Deacon Don Kunkel

The late Deacon Don Kunkel of LeMars, Iowa was a great planner. He planned his homilies, he planned to make regular retreats at Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center in Prior Lake, and he planned for the day when Sister Death would call him home. Deacon Don generously left one-third of his estate to Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center in Prior Lake, and when the sad news reached Br. Bob Roddy, OFM Conv., the Director at that time, Br. Bob diligently filled out the numerous forms to process the gifts. At the end of November, the forced air heating and air conditioning unit for the Marian Lounge conked out and needed to be replaced immediately. The day that Bro. Bob received the estimated cost for the replacement unit, he also received a check from Deacon Don’s estate. This first check covered the entire cost of the replacement unit. “From that point onwards, I always thought of Deacon Don whenever I would adjust the thermostat in the Marian Lounge and whisper a short prayer for him.”