WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Graden J. Kundert, age 90, passed away peacefully during the morning of Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born October 14, 1933 in Three Rivers in his family home. Graden was the son of John Henry and Velma Winnefred “Winnie” Kundert. He attended Ferguson School for Elementary and later graduated from Three Rivers High School, Class of 1951. While in High School, Graden was a part of the first baseball team.
Graden married Beverly Jean Nichols on August 28, 1955, at Ninth Street Methodist Church. Together they had two children, Pamela and Sherrie.
Graden was a farmer for all of his life. He was also employed by Three Rivers Community Schools as a bus driver for 20 years. He could often be heard going by the name “Wally” while being a bus driver.
In his spare time, Graden enjoyed hours of gardening, hunting, and fishing. In addition, Graden and Beverly spent years as snowbirds in Florida as well as mushroom hunting in Mesick. Graden also spent years staying at the St. Joseph County Grange Fairgrounds. Playing Euchre, and being a member of the Eagles and Fraternal Order of Police, are other activities Graden enjoyed.
After retirement and in his later years, Graden could be seen cheering on his grandchildren at sporting events as well as his great grandchildren.
Graden was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Beverly; two daughters Pamela Timm (Fred Warnament) and Sherrie Holden (Jeff); Grandchildren Melissa Frye (Nick), Justin Holden (Samantha), Melinda “Mindy” Timm (Patrick Buffin), Jessica Rifenberg (Connor), and Chantelle Loose (Jason); and great grandchildren Wyatt and Kennedy Frye, Maddie Rose, Cullen and Annabelle Holden, and Rayna Rifenberg.
A special thank you goes out to Hospice Services, especially Bob and Kim.
Visitation will be held Friday, March 1, 2024 from 1:00 to 4:00 and 5:00 to 8:00 at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. Friends may also meet with family beginning at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Corey Church of the Nazarene, 10056 Water St., Three Rivers. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 at the church with Associate Pastor Emily Compton officiating. He will be laid to rest in Poe’s Cemetery.
Donations in honor of Graden can be made to Corey Church of the Nazarene or Three Rivers Little League. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and the church.
