Eugene Walter Kunkel

1930 - 2026

Eugene Walter Kunkel
Born: November 26, 1930 in Spring Valley, Illinois
Died: February 11, 2026 in Princeton, Illinois
Eugene Walter Kunkel, 95, of Granville passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at OSF St. Claire Hospital, Princeton.
Eugene Walter Kunkel was born on November 26, 1930, to August and Teresa Blume Kunkel. He was one of nine children. In 1954, he married Joan O'Neil, and they shared over 67 years of marriage. Together, they created a beautiful family rooted in strong Catholic faith and values. Joan passed away in 2021.
Eugene is survived by his five sons: Kevin (Becky) of Granville, IL; Brian (Julie) of Elburn, IL; Tim (Cheryl) of Princeton, IL; Patrick (Grethel) of Miami Lakes, FL; and Chad (Cheri) of Batavia, IL; along with 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Lawrence "Mick" Kunkel of Princeton, IL, and his sister, Sr. Teresa Kunkel of Clinton, IA. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and dear friends from Padre Pio Parish (formerly Sacred Heart).
He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan; his parents; his brothers Aloysius, August, Richard, Joseph, Ken, and Chris Kunkel; and three great-grandchildren.
Eugene was a proud member of the St. Bede Academy Class of 1948. While there, he was a champion boxer and, during his four years, was defeated only once. He was honored at his 75th class reunion. He was a lifelong member of Padre Pio Parish in Granville, where he served in the Holy Name Society and the Knights of Columbus.
Eugene often said he was blessed to spend his life farming. Together with his brother Chris, he worked the land producing corn and soybeans, along with multiple prize-winning purebred Holsteins. Their bloodline was internationally recognized, with offspring sold throughout North and South America, Europe, and Asia. He was a lifetime member of the National Holstein Association, served on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Holstein Association, was Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Illinois Valley Electric Cooperative, and president of the Putnam Country Historical Society.
To celebrate Eugene's life, take a walk with someone you love. Admire the fields, the sky, and the quiet beauty of God's creation, but most of all, hold hands and smile. He believed life was a gift, family was everything, and faith carried you through all seasons. He always said Granville was God's country; and he lived his life as a grateful steward of both the land and the people he loved.
His legacy lives on in the strength of his family, the faith he passed down, and the generations who will continue to walk the fields he cherished.
Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Padre Pio Parish (formerly Sacred Heart) in Granville.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. following the visitation at the church. Fr. Michael Driscoll will officiate. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Granville.
Dysart – Cofoid Funeral Chapel will be assisting the family with the arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to his family at www.dcfunerals.com