William “Bill” Hunke, 96, of West Point, died Monday, December 8, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Hillside Villa in West Point.  Funeral Mass will be 10:30am on Friday, December 12 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Rev. James Weeder as celebrant.  Click here to view the live stream of the funeral.  Burial with military honors will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery with lunch following at the Nielsen Center.  Visitation will be Thursday from 5:00pm to 7:00pm with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7:00pm at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  Memorials may be made to GACC Endowments or West Point Community Foundation.  Arrangements by Stokely Funeral Home.

William “Bill” Hunke was born on October 26, 1929, on the family farm west of West Point to Anton “Tom” and Clara (Gentrup) Hunke.  Bill attended Guardian Angels High School and graduated in 1947. After high school, Bill continued farming before entering the United States Army. He served for two years graduating top of his class in his radar school before being honorably discharged in 1953. On November 24, 1953, Bill married the love of his life, Agnes Steffensmeier, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Olean, and that union lasted 72 years.

Bill farmed first with his father, then with his son, and eventually with his grandsons. In time, Bill discovered a love for art. He became an accomplished woodcarver and painter, sharing his talents through the Brush Strokes Art Club in West Point. He also participated in numerous art shows and competitions and especially loved entering his carvings in the Cuming County Fair. Bill enjoyed visiting with people as they walked through the building, and it was not uncommon to hear, “I can’t wait to see what your dad entered in the fair this year!”

Bill delighted in the West Point Community Theatre, taking on several roles throughout the years, most often in comedic parts. He and Agnes also loved their spirited weekly card club, where laughter came easily. Bill had a contagious smile and a warm heart which were gifts he shared freely with everyone who crossed his path.

Bill served on St. Mary’s Parish Council and GACC School Board and he was a member of the Knights of Columbus 3^rd Degree.

Bill is survived by his wife, Agnes, and children and their families

Daughter Patty (Francis) Meiergerd and Family

• Eric (Megan) — children: Aurora, Adrian, August, Alexandra, Ari
• Sara (Aaron) Hughes — children: Cole, Aden, Willa
• Heidi (Ian) Harbaugh — children: Alyson, Landon, Grayson
• Jared (Rachel) — children: Rory, Jace

Son Tim (Rita) Hunke and Family

• Brian (Jennifer) — children: Quinton, Jentry, Kaizley, Kelby
• Julie (Tim) Landwehr — children: Oliver, Cora
• Steve (Melissa) — children: Caroline, Patrick, Nicholas, Lydia
• Katie Hunke

Daughter Jackie (Paul) Ridder and Family

• Matt (Erin) — children: Cal, Julie, Kara, Charlie, Ellie, Henry, Gabe, Mickey, Emma
• Luke (Kalina) — children: Logan, Peyton, Malia, Beau
• Zach (Wendy) — children: Barrett, Burke, Mitch, Jed, Conrad
• Jesse (Abby) — children: Parker, Tatum
• Emily (Ryan)Mascarello — children: Elise, Vinny, Joe, Louie, Zita

Daughter Brenda (Don) Ridder and Family

• Kristina (Josh) Tolen — children: Olivia, Henry, William
• Jake (Katelin) — children: Colten, Avery, Grace
• Bridget (Jimmy) Wickstrom — daughter: Willa

Daughter Lisa (Roger) Svec and Family

• Austin (Brooke) — children: Scout, Sawyer
• Claire (Dylan) Adams — children: Lou
• Noah (Molly) – son: Samuel

Daughter Kari (Mike) Haase and Family

• Ty (McKenzie) Haase
• Brooke (Chase) Streeter — son: Cody

Sister, Grace Counts; and brother-in-law, Monsignor Ralph Steffensmeier.  Bill is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gerald (Marlyn); sister, Ruth (Marvin) Picha; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Al, Nick, Herman, George, Theresa, Caroline, Vincent, Wilfred, Walter, and Norbert.