Charles Lunkley, who for a number of years was engaged in the undertaking business in Council Bluffs, continuing in that line of operation from the time of his arrival in the city in October, 1889, until his death, was a native of Stark County, Ohio, born on the 12th of October, 1846. His parents were Francis and Margaret (Shields) Lunkley, both of whom were natives of Germany. At an early day they came to America, settling in Stark County, Ohio, where the father engaged in general farming for several years. He afterward sought a home in the middle west, taking up his abode near Ottumwa, Iowa, where he purchased a farm and carried on the work of tilling the soil throughout the remainder of his days. Both he and his wife passed away at that place, his death occurring when he had reached the age of seventy-two years.

Charles Lunkley was only a young child when his parents came to Iowa, where he was reared to farm work, and in the country schools near Ottumwa acquired his education. Lessons of industry, perseverance and diligence were early impressed upon his mind, and when he was still quite a young lad he received practical training in the work of the fields. During the period of his boyhood a Mr. Bachman was engaged in the retail furniture business and in the manufacture of furniture at Ottumwa, and when Mr. Lunkley left school he began to learn the trade of cabinet-making with Mr. Bachman. His fidelity, trustworthiness and ability soon gained him generous recognition and within a short time he was general clerk in the Bachman furniture store. For eighteen years he was connected with that business, being a most loyal and trusted employee.

It was during his residence in Ottumwa that Mr. Lunkley was married to Miss Amanda Konantz, a native of Crawford, Indiana, and a daughter of Anton and Catherine (Wolfe) Konantz, both of whom were natives of Germany. On bidding adieu to the fatherland and crossing the Atlantic to the new world, they settled in Crawford, Indiana, where they resided for a few years. On the expiration of that period they removed to the west and Mr. Konantz purchased a farm near Ottumwa, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits throughout his remaining days. He worked diligently and persistently and as the years passed, acquired a comfortable competence for his family. His wife died when on a visit in Illinois. There were four children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Lunkley, of whom two are living. Cora, the elder, is the wife of Henry C. Scheidle, and with their daughter, Gertrude may, they reside at No. 208 South First Street with her mother. May is the wife of John B. Hendricks, a resident of Cheyenne, Wyoming, who is connected with the Union Pacific Coal Company. Those deceased are Joseph Francis and Hattie. The son married Annie Johnson and died in 1896, leaving one child, Clarence.

It was subsequent to his marriage that Mr. Lunkley came to the west, settling in Holdridge, Nebraska, where he established a furniture and undertaking business, which he conducted for three years. He then came to Council Bluffs in October, 1889, and here opened an undertaking establishment, purchasing his stock from Mr. Field, at No. 322 Broadway. He engaged in business at different places on Broadway and finally located at No. 226, where he remained in business until called to his final rest. He built up an excellent trade and the liberal patronage accorded him made him one of the successful merchants of Council Bluffs.

For three years prior to his death Mr. Lunkley was in ill health and spent much of his time away from home in the hope that he might be benefited by the change but all to no avail, and on the 11th of April, 1905, he passed away. He had given his political allegiance to the democracy and was well known as a valued member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World. He was also a communicant of St. Francis Catholic Church in Council Bluffs, to which his wife yet belongs. During the dark days of the Civil War he enlisted in April, 1863, as a private in Company A, Seventh Iowa Calvary and was discharged November 6, 1865, on account of disability. His life was in many respects uneventful and yet he displayed those sterling traits of character which work for good citizenship and for honesty in business and in private life. He therefore left to his family an untarnished name and his memory is yet cherished by the many friends whom he gained during the years of his residence in Council Bluffs. His widow still resides here, being located in a pleasant home at No. 624 Sixth Avenue.