Mark J. Kunkel

Mark J. Kunkel, age 70, of Weslaco, Texas and Big Lake, Minnesota passed away on December 19, 2024, at Valley Baptist Hospital in Harlingen, Texas, as a result of a brain aneurysm. A Celebration of Life is set for July 13, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Carefree Country Club, Big Lake.

Mark was born June 7, 1954, in St. Cloud, Minnesota to Norbert and Isabel (Weismann) Kunkel. He was fourth of eight children. Mark was raised in a family with strong Christian values. He continued to apply these values in his daily life and celebrated his faith both on-line and in various churches.

Mark was a graduate of Cathedral High School, St. Cloud and Hutchinson Vo-Tech, Hutchinson, Minnesota, studying CNC Programming. He also learned carpentry from his dad. When Mark was a teen, his dad recommended him for a job building a gazebo. Mark built it on his own and that gazebo still stands today.

On August 13, 1977, he married his best friend, Linda Sorensen, who he met through his sister, Susie. Mark was the father of two children: Andrew and Jeana. He was a dedicated husband and father. He was supportive and taught by example. He was happy to do “Dad” things like chaperone Youth Group trips and attend school events like concerts, swim meets and horse jumping competitions.

Mark worked as a machinist and CNC operator and briefly co-owned and operated an aluminum siding business. He most enjoyed his work as a CNC Programmer/Engineer at Buhler Inc. in Plymouth, Minnesota where he was employed for 28 years until his retirement in 2013.

Mark enjoyed people. He was a good listener and was not shy about sharing his opinions; yet he was respectful even when he disagreed with someone. He was a problem solver and was constantly researching on the internet. He was a natural born teacher and enjoyed helping others learn new skills. From design to remodel or a new build, he was happy to help family or friends with their project. Each project was done with precision and professional quality.

He applied the same energy and organizational skills to cooking. He loved to entertain at home and was an amazing cook. He especially enjoyed cooking for a “crowd.” These meals were for 150 or so people at our RV parks in Minnesota and Texas. Mark volunteered to Chair many events. Duties included recruiting volunteers, mentoring rookies on their tasks and ensuring that everything was prepared and ready to go on time. From the menu to advertising, grocery shopping, set up, decorating, cooking, serving and clean-up, he enjoyed the whole process.

Volunteering did not end with cooking. Over the years, Mark volunteered for many committees and activities, mostly at Carefree. He helped design the new swimming pool, worked on the tree committee, playground design, water well project and much more.

In retirement, Mark enjoyed the social aspect of living in an RV park. He enjoyed the friendly, camping-like atmosphere and made many deep friendships. He enjoyed playing cards, swimming, and dancing; even agreeing to take dancing lessons. Music was very important and he enjoyed concerts and entertainment shows.

Mark was a life-long camper. He would lead camping trips with co-workers and friends and family. He appreciated the quiet time with nature. Mark started with tent trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. He evolved to camping in various county, state and federal campsites in a pop-up, and class A motorhome, and lastly a truck and pull behind trailer.

Mark is preceded in death by his parents; Norbert and Isabel; and sister-in-law, Karen (Bernard). Mark is survived by his wife of 47 years, Linda; son Andy (Jennie) of NE Minneapolis, Minnesota (currently of Casablanca, Morocco); and daughter, Jeana (Katie) of Scandia, Minnesota. Mark is also survived by seven siblings: Katherine, Bernard, Susan (Richard Klein), Dennis (Susan), Richard (Pamela), Mary (Mark Moraczewski), Julie (Thomas Hall); and, twelve nieces and nephews. He is greatly missed by all, including his 13-year-old Bichon, Sophie.