Melissa Eve-Marie Kunde, 73, journeyed from this life on September 9, 2025. She passed peacefully after an illness, finally as comfortable in her life as she ultimately was in her death.

Born in Milwaukee, WI, Melissa (she/her) was the first child of Don and Norma Kunde. She loved and leaves behind an immediate family that includes four children; four grandchildren; and two siblings. She also has a growing extended family across the state and country, some members with whom she has remained connected in recent years and all of whom she also loved despite differences in life perspective and beliefs.

As a Renaissance Soul, Melissa journeyed across both the for-profit and nonprofit worlds in very nonlinear ways. Graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in environmental journalism, her greatest career joy was exercising her writing and editing skills, or meeting the needs of other people in simple ways. In her later years, her passions for justice issues - especially climate justice and LGBTQ+ equality - fueled her activity. That paralleled the growth of her progressive Christian faith, and a satisfying life of authenticity.

At some time in the future, Melissa’s ashes will be spread in some natural environment. This is consistent with her earlier studies in forestry, and her later passion for the environment and climate justice.

Melissa has encouraged donations in her name to Transmission Ministry Collective, an organization with which she served as a volunteer leader from 2020 to 2022, and through which she experienced immense support and comfort during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also passionately supported - and encouraged other community support of - the Verona Public Library, the independent Kismet Bookstore in Verona and Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb

Funeral & Cremation Care

500 N. Eighth St.

(608) 437-5077

Melissa Eve-Marie Kunde

July 23, 1952 - September 09, 2025

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