James J. Kunkel

James Joseph Kunkel, age 79, of Mankato, died Friday, December 11, 2020 at Mayo Clinic Health System – Mankato.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, St. Clair. Interment will be in Decoria Cemetery, rural Mankato. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Tuesday, December 15, at Mankato Mortuary, 1001 N. Riverfront Drive and one hour before service at the church on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Habitat for Humanity or the donor’s choice. The mass will be live streamed and archived at www.as-ic.org

James was born January 3, 1941 in Mapleton to Jerome James and Drusilla “Sil” Lucille (Wiegert) Kunkel. He graduated from Mapleton High School in 1959. Jim was united in marriage to Eileen M. Gaboury on May 11, 1963 at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Mapleton. Eileen died in 2008. Jim married Dottie Gimmer on July 18, 2009. Jim worked as a senior highway technician for the Minnesota Department of Transportation from 1965 until retirement in 1997. After retirement he installed and refinished hardwood floors. Jim was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of woodcarver’s groups in Texas and Minnesota. He enjoyed wood crafting, hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time with his family.

Jim is survived by his wife, Dottie of Mankato; children, Jerrold (Shelly) Kunkel of New Ulm, Keith (Rosemary) Kunkel of Madison Lake, Tony (Michele) Kunkel of Yankton, SD; nine grandchildren, Katie, James, Bella, Cheyenne, Adam, Rachael, Killian, Ivy, and Ian; four great-grandchildren, Freyja, Avi, Knox, and Rhett; three stepchildren, Connie (Doug) Nielsen, Rhonda Tolzmann, and Dean Larson all of Mankato; special grandson, Jayden Larson; two siblings, Charlotte (Gehard) Klose of Sun City, AZ and Philip (Rosemary) Kunkel of St. Cloud; sisters-in-law, Sandy Kunkel of Minnesota and Kathy Kunkel of Mapleton; nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Eileen on January 30, 2008; great-grandchild, Eileen; two brothers, Robert and Edward Kunkel.