Wilma Parker Kuenzel was born in St Louis, Missouri, on July 24, 1930, to Glen and Florence (Parkin) Parker. She departed this life with family by her side in Hot Springs, Arkansas, on August 27, 2021, at the age of 91.

Wilma enjoyed providing for her family and had many different roles and careers in her lifetime, including her work for Union Electric Company, the Bank of Washington, and several positions at Mercy Hospital in Washington, MO. She volunteered with many youth choirs and church choirs and taught piano lessons in her spare time. She actively served in Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, the Women’s Auxiliary of the Washington Jaycees, the Knights of Columbus Seisl Council Ladies’ Auxiliary, and was a long-time member of many card clubs and quilting groups.

She was an avid artist, pianist, and quilter. She would match anyone – and probably beat them – at any number of card games. Her family and friends will never forget her ability to relish the small joys in life. Wilma’s laugh was memorable and infectious; her perseverance throughout her life inspired those around her to take the bad with the good.

Wilma graduated from Hancock High School in St. Louis County in 1948, along with Gene Snodgrass, whom she married soon after graduation. They would go on to have two children before he passed away in 1962. She married James Kreter in 1965. Together they had a son and operated Kreter’s Used Cars, the St. Clair Dairy Creme, and Kreter’s General Store.

After moving back to Washington, she reconnected with an old friend and coworker, Paul Kuenzel. The two shared a love for fishing, card playing, socializing, and travel. They married in 1994 and enjoyed many adventures and family blessings before his death in 2009.

Wilma was also preceded in death by her parents; brothers Lloyd, Ivan, and Don Parker; sister Norma Brinker; and grandson Adam Snodgrass. She is survived by her daughter Cindy (John) Sharp of Opelika, AL, and sons Chris (Linda) Snodgrass of Hot Springs, AR, and Dean (Dawn) Kreter of Cuba, MO, plus step-children, Steven (Susan) Kuenzel, Sr. of Washington, Kevin (Carol) Kuenzel of North Kansas City, and Betty (Mark) Fuller of St. Louis. She was loved by many nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

The family requests that all memorials be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Grotto Project or Our Lady of Lourdes Grade School, 1014 Madison Ave., Washington, MO 63090, Phone – 636-239-3520.

A Memorial Mass will be said at Our Lady of Lourdes Church on Wednesday, September 29, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. The family will be gathering at the church to receive condolences at 9:00 a.m.

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