Allan Kunkel

Allan Kunkel, 84, of Fargo, ND, was called to his heavenly home on March 5, 2026, at the Fargo VA Medical Center, surrounded by his wife and sons.

Allan was born on April 4, 1941, in Yakima, WA, to Clarence and Louise Kunkel. He grew up in New Salem, ND, and graduated from high school in 1959. That same year, he enlisted in the United States Navy, proudly serving as a Seaman (E-3) from 1959 to 1965. Allan was deeply proud of his military service and often shared stories from his time in the Navy, especially his deployment to Morocco. He was rarely seen without his "Proud U.S. Navy Veteran" hat.

On October 7, 1978, Allan married Jane and together they raised three sons in Bismarck, ND: Paul (his), Dustan (hers), and Benjamin (theirs).

Allan worked for more than 16 years delivering groceries to restaurants throughout the Bismarck-Mandan area for Gamble Robinson (Food Services of America). In 1996, Allan and Jane purchased Leisure Lane Resort on Prairie Lake near Pelican Rapids, MN, fulfilling a lifelong dream of running a lakeside resort. Allan loved the work and the people he met there and continued running the resort until the physical demands became too great. In 2001, they moved to Fargo to prepare for retirement.

Even after leaving the resort, Allan remained a hard worker and kept taking on jobs simply to stay active and continue providing for his family. True retirement didn't come until 2018. Hard work had been part of Allan's life since childhood, beginning on the farm where he grew up and continuing throughout his life.

Allan's legacy stretches far beyond his work. He was blessed with the gift of gab and never treated anyone like a stranger. He loved visiting with people wherever he went and was known for showing appreciation, respect, and kindness to friends, neighbors, and especially to his family. He carried a mischievous smile and a hearty laugh and would gladly converse with anyone willing to listen. The family will certain miss "Grandpa's Taxi Service", as he loved nothing more than making sure his family was delivered safely to any destination. Those who knew him best remember a man with a generous heart who took pride in caring for and providing for the people he loved most. The family finds comfort in knowing Allan's strong faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ carried him home, and his memory will live on through the family and friends who loved him dearly.

Allan is survived by his wife, Jane, and his three sons:

Paul (Trish) Kunkel and their children, Beau (Heather), Jonathan, and Genevieve;

Dustan (Jeanna) Thoemke and their children, Mariah (Ryne) Bigelow and Tanner (Abby) Thoemke;

Benjamin (Megan) Kunkel and their children, Victoria and Clarence Dade.

He is also survived by his sister, Rose Krush, along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Allan was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Louise Kunkel, and his brother-in-law, Tony Krush.

The family extends a very special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Fargo VA Medical Center. They cared for Allan with extraordinary compassion. At the time of his passing, staff and even fellow patients lined the halls, saluting and placing their hands over their hearts while taps was played in his honor. It was a deeply moving tribute to a proud veteran, and one the family will never forget.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. CDT, with funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. at:

Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church
2601 23rd Ave S
Fargo, ND 58103

A military committal and internment service will be held Monday, March 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. CDT at:

North Dakota Veterans Cemetery
4606 Highway 1806
Mandan, ND 58554

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be used to support Veterans in the Palliative Care Program at the Fargo VA. Gifts can be made online Click here to donate or by check. Please make checks payable to the Fargo VA and mail to:

Fargo VA HCS
CDCE (135)
2101 Elm Street North
Fargo, ND 58102

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com