Scott K. Kunkel, 74, of Moorhead, MN, passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Sanford Medical Center, Fargo, ND.
Wonderful husband, adoring father, and incredible grandfather. Scott Keith Kunkel was born on October 4, 1949, to Melvin (Babe) and Julie Kunkel in Devils Lake, ND. He was the oldest of 4 children. He graduated from Devils Lake Central High school in 1967 and continued his education at North Dakota State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in social studies. Scott was born with a tremendous love and ear for music. In 6th grade, Scott not only made the High School Concert Band but was honored with the 1st chair. Scott played many instruments, including trombone, accordion, organ, guitar, and drums. He also grew up with a deep love of baseball and loved to listen to the Milwaukee Braves on the radio. He often told stories of riding his bike to the park and using the phone at the pool to organize baseball games with his friends.
After completing his education, Scott explored several of his interests, including camping, canoeing, and flying. One of his proudest accomplishments was a month-long canoe trip spanning 350 miles along the Kautunigan Route in northern Manitoba. He also loved flying and telling his family about his adventures. Once his adventurous side subsided, he met the love of his life, Deb at “R-Bar” in Devils Lake in 1982. They married shortly after, in 1984, and lived in Grand Forks, Omaha, and Jamestown before settling in Moorhead. They started a family and welcomed Tyler into the world in 1987 and Sean in 1992. Scott worked several different jobs, anything that would help provide for his family. Scott was a dedicated husband and father. He led by example and continually pushed his kids to be the best they could be. Scott shared his love of the outdoors with his children by teaching them to hunt, fish, bike, and camp. He led his family through yearly adventures to Itasca State Park and Medora. Scott was also a great coach. He coached many of the boy’s baseball teams and taught them to be the best athletes they could be. Scott was an extremely selfless and generous person. He believed in giving and leading by example. He cherished spending time with his loved ones and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He found a new kind of love when he became a grandfather and was so proud of the family he helped build. You could usually find him in the park chasing his grandkids, attending their events, or teaching them life lessons.
He will be remembered and deeply missed by his wife of 39 years, Deb; two sons, Tyler (Kylie) Kunkel of Fargo, ND, Sean (Ashlie) Kunkel of Moorhead, MN and 8 Grandchildren; JD, Brooke, Alexis, Hannah, Alise, Jackson, Cooper, and Baby K; Brother Steve (Robin) Kunkel of Ann Arbor, MI; Sister Sue (Mick) Yanis of Australia; Sister Sheree (Lanny) Gulseth of Devils Lake, ND; Brother in-law Brian (Teri) Christianson and many other relatives. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Melvin and Julie Kunkel and his in-laws Lester and Ruth Christianson.
A visitation and Prayer Service were held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.
A memorial service with Livestream took place at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Moorhead, MN.
Final resting place will be in the church columbarium.