Russell G. Kunkel

Russell “Russ” George Kunkel, age 90, of Ripon, WI, passed away in the early hours of May 19, 2023, at his home with his family by his side. 

Russ was born on September 26, 1932 in Milwaukee, WI, son of August and Helen (Dammer) Kunkel. He attended Lincoln High School and entered the U.S. Army from 1949 until 1953 during the Korean War. On July 31, 1954, he married Leora Hablewitz in Milwaukee, WI. Russ started out as an appliance technician owning his own business repairing appliances, and later was a power plant engineer and building superintendent in Oshkosh. Russ always had a smile on his face and truly loved life. He enjoyed sports, especially the Green Bay Packers. Russ also loved his dogs, Daisy and Angel, listening to Mario Lanza opera music, and fishing. Most of all he cherished his time spent with his family.

Russ is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Leora Kunkel; his children, Kristine (Brian) Perry, Steven (DeAnna) Kunkel, Dennis (Lisa) Kunkel, and Kathleen McCarthy; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, August and Helen Kunkel; his siblings, Edward Kunkel, Doris Rutke, Shirley Fairchild, Joyce Szymanski and Donald Kunkel; and his loving dogs, Angel and Daisy.

Visitation for Russ will be held from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, 515 Mayparty Dr., Ripon, WI 54971. Interment will follow at Dartford Cemetery, Green Lake, WI, with Full Military Honors.

Russ’ family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire staff of SSM Health at Home Hospice of Green Lake.