Geraldine "Geri" Kunkel, 95, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Monday, March 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family, including her daughter Susan Marcott; her grandchildren Megan Novak and Cale Erickson; and her precious cat, Bobo.

Born on September 19, 1930, in Mosinee, Wisconsin, Geri lived a long, beautiful life marked by faith, deep love for her family, enduring love for her husband, and a warmth that made people feel at home in her presence. In her younger years, Geri loved to dance, listen to music, and spend time with friends. Even then, she had the spark so many would come to know and love - a lively spirit, a warm heart, a beautiful singing voice, and an infectious laugh that could carry into another room and was so full of joy it could bring tears to her eyes.

On September 16, 1950, she married the love of her life, Curtis "Curt" Kunkel, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Mosinee, Wisconsin. Their marriage was a true partnership and a great love story, lasting more than six decades and shaping the life they built together. She and Curt raised their four children in Wisconsin Rapids and Stevens Point, Wisconsin, before later settling in Eau Claire. There, the family's beloved "house on the hill" became the setting for a lifetime of cherished memories with children and grandchildren.

Geri took great pride in caring for her home and family, creating a place where others felt loved, welcomed, and cared for. She was a wonderful cook, especially known for her pies and cookies, and she had a gift for making holidays feel magical. She was also a devoted Green Bay Packers fan who understood the game, followed every play, and cheered as loudly as anyone else - often the loudest in the room.

Her life was enriched by many interests, gifts, and passions. She loved gardening, tending to her beautiful flower beds, and enjoying her weekly games of bridge with friends. She was also an exceptionally talented bowler, spending many years competing in leagues and earning numerous championships, awards, and trophies - enough to fill a bookcase and stand as a lasting testament to her skill, discipline, and competitive spirit. Together, these passions reflected her joyful spirit, her love of others, and the special way she made life brighter for those around her.

While Geri was a steadfast partner and trusted source of support to Curt in his many business pursuits, she was also a strong and accomplished woman in her own right. Over the years, she operated Geri's Deli and lent her talents and organization to the family businesses, including Mr. K's and Kozy Kitchen. Her strength, independence, and willingness to work hard were an important part of both her family life and the success of the family businesses.

Geri shared Curt's spirit of adventure and happily embraced the life they built together. They treasured their winters at Rainbow Village in Largo, Florida, where they formed many lasting friendships, especially with the Canadian friends they looked forward to seeing year after year. She loved the many ways they explored the world side by side - through cruises, road trips, and memorable travels - and those years nurtured a curiosity and openness to new places and possibilities. That same curiosity eventually led them to even broader travels through IESC, the International Executive Service Corps, where they offered retail and wholesale guidance to businesses in other countries. Their work took them to Jakarta, Indonesia; the Czech Republic; Peru; Jamaica; Cairo, Egypt; and elsewhere, opening a world to Geri she may never have imagined in her younger days.

After Curt's passing in 2013, Geri continued forward with the same quiet strength and grace that had always defined her life. She embraced the years that followed with love for her family and gratitude for the life she and Curt had built together, while holding close to the faith that one day she would be reunited with him in heaven.

Geri was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis G. Kunkel; her daughter, Jayne (Chuck) Erickson; and her grandson, Cheston Allen Zinda. She is survived by her children, Diane (Bruce) Koon of Tampa, Florida, Susan (Brian) Marcott of Eau Claire, and Todd (Kimberly) Kunkel of Eau Claire; her grandchildren, Amy Zinda Ooyman, Brianna Zinda, Travis Marcott, Chad (Teri) Chase, Megan (Jake) Novak, Cale (Lindsay) Erickson, Anders (Az) Erickson, Claire Erickson, Chase Kunkel, and Bryce Kunkel; her 13 great-grandchildren; and many loving relatives and dear friends.

Geri's life was defined by love, faith, strength, and quiet grace. She paved the way for those who looked up to her, inspiring others through her caring nature, hard work, curiosity, and sense of adventure. She led quietly, but powerfully, through the example of how she lived. Her legacy will live on in the family she helped shape, in the memories she created, and in the love, laughter, and stories that will be carried forward for generations to come.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Lake Street Methodist Church, 227 Lake Street, Eau Claire, WI 54703. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon provided by the church will follow at 12 p.m.