Robert Kunkel

Robert Donald Kunkel, 58, of Merrill died unexpectedly Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at Ministry Good Samaritan Health Center, Merrill. He was born June 26, 1952 to the late Edward & Mildred (Gremler) Kunkel. He married Gloria Engel September 29, 1972 in Merrill.

Bob was a 1970 graduate of Merrill Senior High School . After school he worked at Joe’s Standard as a mechanic and then at Wally’s Gas Station. Bob was then employed at Ward Paper Mill until 1994 where he was the Union Treasurer. He was also a Board Member of the Ward Paper Mill Credit Union. Bob worked part time as a bookkeeper for Gordon Brandt’s Fuel Mart. After leaving Ward Paper Mill he attended NTC and earned an Associates Degree in Accounting. Bob was elected as Lincoln County Clerk in 1996 and served as such until his death. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he served as an Elder and an Usher. Bob was a member and Treasurer for the Merrill Evening Lions Club, and member and Treasurer for S & S Benevolent Society. He was also a member of The Republican Party and an honorary member of the “Dukes of New Wood” LLC. Bob enjoyed fishing, pontooning, ice fishing, turkey hunting and NASCAR. His best times were spent with his family and friends at the cottage

Survivors include his wife: Gloria Kunkel, Merrill; two daughters: Jenny (Chris) Wimmer, Merrill, and Becky (Tom) Hofacker, Appleton; four grandchildren: Bobbi Kay Wimmer and Devon Wimmer, Merrill, and Elaine Hofacker and Wesley Hofacker, Appleton; two step-grandchildren: Holly (Jack) Calandros and Tom Hofacker, Jr, Orlando, FL; one step-great-grandchild: Chloe Calandros, Orlando, FL; four sisters: Betty (Dick) Ollhoff, Mary (Bob) Pike, Kathy (Jack) Frederick and Carol (the late Roger) Krause; two brothers: Roger (Nancy) Kunkel and Mike (Sue) Kunkel; four sister-in-laws: Brenda (Dan) Adamec, Pam (Gene) Mohrland, Debra Engel-Rajek and Jan (Jim) Alft; one brother-in-law: Jerry (Kim) Engel; mother-in-law: Elaine (Weber) Engel, and 13 nieces and 11 nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents: Edward & Millie Kunkel; father-in-law: Ray Engel and friend, Gordon Brandt.

Services will be Saturday, September 4, 2010 at 10:30 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church . The Rev. Brian Stolarczyk will officiate. Visitation will be Friday, September 3, 2010 from 2 – 8 PM at Waid Funeral Home and again from 9:30 AM until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to T.B. Scott Library, Merrill and Tomahawk Fire Department or the Lion’s Club. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com .