Fred Kunkel

Fred Kunkel, 56, of Robbinsville, N.C., died Jan 1, 2007, in his home 74 days after being diagnosed with terminal Cancer. His wife Marijo 'Mo' was his main caregiver along with family, friends and hospice. He was born Oct 6, 1950. While in Duluth Fred owned a cabinet/ furniture building shop called WoodElite and was an outstanding cabinet maker and carpenter. In life he was also a champion swimmer, fisherman, scholar, son, brother, father, grandfather of three, veteran, motorcycle enthusiast and ½ of the Fred and Mo show. Fred and Marijo left Duluth in 2002 to create a motorcycle resort in the Smokey Mountains in North Carolina. Their dream became The Kickstand Lodge, located 20 mi. from the famous 'dragon' (US Hwy. 129, 318 curves in 11 mi.) on one end and the beginning of the Blue Ridge parkway on the other. The KSL is commonly referred to as 'A little piece of heaven on earth' by everyone who has stayed there. Marigo hopes to continue on with the KSL if financially able. She is currently putting together any articles or stories about Fred that she can get her hands on for a memorial service, which will be held the the first weekend in June, 2007, at the KSL. Correspondence can be sent to The Kickstand Lodge, 2097 NC Hwy. 28, Robbinsville, NC 28771. Fred was preceded in death by his only brother Gary. Fred is survived by his parents, Fred Sr. and Elma; one son, Ben (Sharon) ; grandsons, Max and Noah; granddaughter, Hannah; step daughters, Courtney and Kelsey Olsen and Hairy the cat.