Curtis G. Kunkel, 84, of Eau Claire passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2013, at Mayo Clinic Heath System in Eau Claire, with his wife and daughter at his side. Curt was born on December 3, 1928, in Wausau, WI, to August and Eleanor (Drake) Kunkel of Rothschild, WI. On Sept. 16, 1950, he married the love of his life, Geraldine Kleist of Mosinee, WI, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Mosinee. Aside from being one of the most generous, thoughtful and considerate men to everyone he touched in his life, he was also a compassionate family man and courageous business leader. Curt started out his retail/wholesale career working in the grocery department, quickly rising to store manager and then supervisor at the Copps Company of Stevens Point, WI. He was promoted shortly after to Vice President of retail operations. Curt excelled at this position and was promoted to Vice President of Marketing, another position in need of his talents in the wholesale division. He now had both experience in retail and wholesale and was needed once again at the Copps Company to head up both. Curt was then promoted to the highest level, Executive Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing. His great experience with the Copps Corporation, lead him to be president of Roberts Farm House Foods in Eau Claire, WI, in 1976. He served as president for four years before he decided to go out on his own and create Freedom Foods grocery store chain in Eau Claire. Being an entrepreneur was natural for Curt. He then proceeded to not only own and operate several grocery stores but tried his hand in convenience stores, restaurants, fast food operations and a consulting business. Curt was a dynamic business man. Anyone that had the pleasure to meet and work with him was very lucky, because he always took time to share his vast knowledge. As the years went by Curt was able to help others in different parts of the world. Curt and Geraldine began to travel the world offering their experience to many companies through IESC (International Executive Service Corporation). They both enjoyed traveling to Jakarta, Indonesia, Check Republic, Peru, Jamaica and Cairo, Egypt, offering retail and wholesale insight to help establish independent grocery stores. The family sends special appreciation to the staff of Grace's Garden at Syverson Lutheran Home for their special loving care for Curt, and for making both Curt and Geraldine feel like they were part of their family. Curt is survived by his wife of 64 years, Geraldine; three children, Diane (Bruce) Koon of Tampa, FL, Susan (Brian) Marcott of Eau Claire, and Todd (Jan) Kunkel of Eau Claire; ten grandchildren, Amy (Josh) Ooyman of Estero, FL, Cheston (Lyne) Zinda of Eau Clare, Travis Marcott of Eau Claire, Chad Chase of Maple Grove, MN, Megan (Jake) Koback of Appleton, WI, Cale (Lyndsay) Erickson of Stevens Point, WI, Claire Erickson of Door County, WI, Anders (Angie) Erickson of Chicago, IL, Chase (Haley) Kunkel of Eau Claire, and Bryce Kunkel of Eau Claire; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his loving daughter, Jayne (Chuck) Erickson of Stevens Point, WI. Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2013 at Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral and Cremation Services-WEST CHAPEL, 1405 North Clairemont Ave. in Eau Claire, with Pastor Graham West officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Luncheon to follow services at the funeral home.

Service Information

Cemetery

Lakeview Cemetery 1500 Buffington Drive Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Saturday, August 17 2013 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral & Cremation Services West Chapel 1405 North Clairemont Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703

Memorial Service

Saturday, August 17 2013 1:30 PM

Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral & Cremation Services West Chapel 1405 North Clairemont Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703