Obituary of Cheryl Elaine Junkmann

Cheryl Elaine Junkmann passed away peacefully at her home in Chapel Hill, NC on December 23, 2020.   She was born on May 1, 1937 in Nevada, Story County, Iowa to the late Wilbur Charles Webb and Avalee Doris McBride.   Cheryl was a 1955 graduate of Ames High School.

She married LaVerne “Vern” George Junkmann on June 29, 1956, and they enjoyed a 45-year adventure together.   Cheryl supported her husband’s education and military career, and at the same time, leveraged her own talents to advance into the corporate world retiring as an Executive Assistant to the Office of the Chief Executive at GTE (Verizon).

Throughout her life, Cheryl never stepped away from a challenge or opportunity to help beginning with playing saxophone in the Ames High School marching band, teaching other young officers’ wives to sew clothing, driving school bus routes, organizing and leading bridge lessons and games, and learning to play golf.

Cheryl and Vern retired to the Chapel Hill Governor’s Club community in 2000, where they were very active in their community and church groups and enjoyed attending UNC sporting events.   She lost Vern through a physician’s treatment error in August 2001.   The next year while attending an Ames High School class reunion, she reconnected with a childhood friend and classmate, Don Diehl.   Cheryl and Don traveled, routinely attended UNC football and basketball games as well as Rams Club activities, and enjoyed each other’s company for the next 17 years until Don’s death in October 2019. 

Cheryl was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, LaVerne George Junkmann (Lt. Col., USAF retired), sons Steven Alan Junkmann and Bruce David Junkmann, her sister, LaDonna Webb Allen, and brother-in-law, Bill Allen of Ames, IA.   She was also preceded in death by her partner, Donovan Diehl.

Cheryl is survived by her son, Brian Craig Junkmann (Martha) of Midlothian, VA; five grandchildren Stephanie Junkmann of Greensboro, NC; Ashley Nielsen (Kace) of Leesville, LA; Laurie Junkmann of Lafayette, LA; Emily Junkmann and Erin Junkmann of Midlothian, VA.   She is also survived by seven great grandchildren including Brielle Junkmann of Greensboro, NC; Triston and Wyatt Junkmann of Leesville, LA; Abigail and Joshua “Caleb” Nielsen of Leesville, LA; Braxton Heath Mahan of Baton Rouge, LA; and Eli Emad Shqair of Lafayette, LA.  She is mourned by her brother, Richard Webb (Phyllis) of Ames, IA, her sister-in-law, Eileen Junkmann Ludwig of Rockwell City, IA, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

The family of Don Diehl also mourns her loss including Dale Besner, Donald Besner (Eileen), and Erin Tuccinardi (Steve), who all reside in southern CA.

A graveside service was held on Wednesday, December 30^th at the Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery with Pastor Ben Williams and Pastor Becca MacDonald officiating. 

A celebration of Cheryl’s life will occur on a future date when family and friends are able to gather, celebrate her life, share stories, and give thanks for the time we had with her.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Christ United Methodist Church or to Keys of Change USA, please use the links on the left of this page. 

The Junkmann family is under the care of Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill.