Robert E. Kunkel, age 83, of Kimball, died on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at his home surrounded by family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at St. Wendelin Catholic Church in Luxemburg with Fr. Donald Wagner as the Celebrant. Burial will follow at Minnesota State Veteran’s Cemetery near Little Falls at 3 p.m. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at Mary Hall at St. Wendelin. A Prayer Service will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday at Mary Hall.
Robert Elmer Kunkel was born April 10, 1943, in Pearl Lake to Vincent and Leona (Potthoff) Kunkel. He graduated from Kimball High School and shortly after graduation proudly served his country in the United States Army. During his military service, he was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Service Star for his courage and sacrifice. He later published a book about his service, Walking Point: A Vietnam Memoir.
On July 19, 1969, Robert married his beloved wife, Eileen Wagner, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Kimball. Together they built a wonderful life and raised four children. Family meant everything to him and some of his happiest times were spent at the cabin near Boy Lake.
Bob dedicated 32 years of service to the community with the Stearns County Sheriff’s Department. During his career, he served 16 years as Jail Administrator, worked as a firearms instructor for six years and spent 28 years teaching gun safety. He was respected for his steady leadership, fairness and willingness to share his knowledge with others.
He loved the outdoors and could often be found fishing, hunting, welding or putzing around in the shop.
Bob is survived by his wife, Eileen; sons, Troy (Jodi) of Olympia, Wash., and Travis (Viri) of Mt. Lake Terrace, Wash.; daughter, Tennelle (Steve) Novak of Foley; grandchildren, Bryn, Olivia, Ava and Ivy; siblings, Eugene, LeRoy (Beatrice), Larry (Teresa), Mark (Renee), Duane (Linda) and Deb Kunkel; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Leona; son, Todd; sisters, Joan Kiffmeyer and Diane Rosenow; and brothers, Fr. Charles Kunkel and Jim Kunkel.
Bob’s granddaughters will serve as urn bearers. Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Kimball.
Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute and Funeral Webcast are online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.