Edward Joseph Hunkeler

Edward Joseph Hunkeler (January 1, 1894 – October 1, 1970) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who served as bishop of the Diocese of Grand Island in Nebraska (1945–1951), and bishop and archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas (1951–1969).

Biography

Early life Edward Hunkeler was born on January 1, 1894, in Medicine Lodge, Kansas, to Anton and Philomena (née Durst) Hunkeler. He and his parents later moved to Dayton, Ohio, where he attended the parochial school of Holy Trinity Parish. He later enrolled at the University of Dayton. Hunkeler completed his studies for the priesthood at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Worthington, Ohio.

Priesthood Hunkeler was ordained to the priesthood at the Josephinum by Bishop James Hartley on June 14, 1919, for the Diocese of Omaha. After his ordination, the diocese assigned Hunkeler as pastor of Saints Philip and James Parish in Wynot, Nebraska He was transferred in 1927 to he was transferred to Blessed Sacrament Parish in Omaha, Nebraska. In 1936, Hunkeler was appointed rector of St. Cecilia Cathedral in Omaha. He was named a domestic prelate by Pope Pius XI in 1937, and became vicar general of the diocese in 1944.

Retirement and legacy On September 10, 1969, Pope Paul VI accepted Hunkeler's resignation as archbishop due to health problems. In 1970, while returning from the installation of Bishop Kenneth Povish, Hunkeler's car was involved in an automobile accident near Crookston, Minnesota. Edward Hunkeler died two days later, on October 1, aged 76; his death was ascribed to a cardiovascular respiratory condition rather than to injuries sustained in the accident.