Passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, at Brucelea Haven in Walkerton, Ontario, in her 97th year.
Melanie was predeceased by her beloved husband, John (Jack) Kunkel; her granddaughter, Lisa Dawn Waechter; and her son-in-law, Wayne Deyarmond.
Melanie loved her family above all else. She was one of ten children born to John and Margaret Keais of Ayton, Ontario, and is survived by her sister, Beryl Keais of St. Catharines.
Mom will be deeply missed by her eight children: Janis (Paul Waechter), John (Nicole), Jayne, Rosemary (Dan Seegmiller), Jackie (Jürgen Kiehl), Jill (Jim Wendt), James, and Jeffrey (Sherrie).
Nan will be remembered fondly by her greatest joy — her nineteen grandchildren and twenty-nine great-grandchildren — as well as by her many nieces and nephews.
In the spring, Melanie will be laid to rest at the Catholic cemetery in Mildmay, following a funeral Mass at the Roman Catholic Church in Mildmay.
The family would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Brucelea Haven. Mel was very happy in your kind care, and we are deeply grateful for the love and compassion you showed our mother.
