Donald Paul Kunkel

Donald Paul Kunkel, 78, of Traverse City, passed away Friday, March 28, 2014 at Munson Hospice House surrounded by his family.

Donald was born on Friday, August 30, 1935 to the late George and Ruby (Murphy) Kunkel in Detroit. Following graduation from high school Don honorably served our country in the U. S. Army from 1953 until 1955. On Saturday, June 14, 1958, he married the former Elizabeth Theresa Baidas in Dearborn, a dedicated friendship and union that has spanned nearly 56 years.

Don and Betty purchased the S & S Grocery in Acme in 1971 and moved their young family to this area. After the sale of the grocery, Don formed DBK Auto and Janitorial Supply, and became known as the "Broom Man of the North". Don was well respected by his loyal customers and he was equally loyal to them. After he sold his business, he worked for the Auto Service Center, Art's Auto Electric and Traverse Motors.

He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and was a member of their men's club and an usher. Don was also a member of NRA. He enjoyed any kind of sports, (his TV was never changed from ESPN) playing golf, bike riding, walking his dog, Max, fishing, and travel. He also was a devoted Nascar fan and loved going to the track. Don will always be remembered for his kindness, his commitment to his family and customers and for his ability to always remember and share a joke.

Don is survived by his wife Betty; children Debbie (John) Loveridge Kunkel of Denver, CO and Jeffrey (Barbara) Kunkel of Lansing. Don was preceded in death by his son Michael; his parents, his brother Larry and and his sister Nancy Geer.

Visitation for Don will take place Monday, March 31 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with the rosary being prayed at 7 p.m., led by Deacon Rene Hoenscheid. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 1 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with The Rev. Fr. Anthony Citro, The Rev. Fr. James Hayden and Deacon Rene Hoenscheid presiding. Burial will be in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

Rather than flowers, the family would request that Don be remembered through Mass Intentions or a contribution to Grand Traverse Area Right to Life. P. O. Box 5416, Traverse City, MI 49696 ( www.gtartl.com ) or to Munson Hospice House c/o Munson Healthcare Regional Foundation 1500 Medical Campus Dr., Traverse City 49684 . ( www.munsonhealthcare.org/foundation )

Please share your memories of Don with his family by way of his online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.



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