Michael Tessier Unkel

Peacefully and surrounded by family, Michael Tessier Unkel passed away on February 20, 2026, at the age of 90. His life was defined by work, service, faith, and commitment to the community he called home.
Mike was born on September 24, 1935, to Henry Joseph Unkel and Eulalie Tessier Unkel and was raised just outside of Kinder, Louisiana. He grew up alongside his siblings, Elizabeth Jane "Betty" Unkel Wilhelmi, Charles Henry "Buddy" Unkel, and Dr. Patrick James Unkel, all of whom preceded him in death.
After graduating from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette), Mike returned home to Allen Parish and began building his life's work. Agriculture remained central to Mike's life. He began farming alongside his brother, Charles "Buddy" Unkel, as part of Unkel Brothers. In time, he established Michael T. Unkel Farms, Inc., where he farmed rice and soybeans and worked as a cattle rancher. Farming was not simply his livelihood - it was his way of life.
The Kinder Canal Company, acquired by his family in the early 1900s, was central to his life's work. As president, he regarded its stewardship as a generational responsibility - a duty to those who built it and to those who would follow.
He served on the Board of Directors of First South Farm Credit Association beginning in 1986, later serving as chairman. For 35 years, he represented Southwest Louisiana and believed strong rural institutions provided stability not only for farmers, but for entire communities.
Mike also gave many years to public education and community service. He served 34 years on the Allen Parish School Board, including time as president. During his tenure, he worked with state leadership to help establish a public Pre-K program for four-year-olds. Allen Parish became the first parish in the state to implement such a program. He believed early education strengthened both children and the future of the community - and that investing in children was simply the right thing to do.
He also served 33 years on the Allen Action Agency Board of Directors, supporting efforts that strengthened families throughout the parish.
He was a lifelong member of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, where his life was anchored.
Mike is survived by his wife of 69 years, Adele Fontenot Unkel. Together they built a life rooted in love, faith, and unwavering commitment to one another. He is also survived by their children: Frances Cannon (John), Michael Winn Unkel, Mary Catherine Unkel, and Elizabeth Trahan (Mike).
He is also survived by eleven grandchildren: Kelly Cannon Sickey (David), Sarah Cannon Ange (Hade), Laura Cannon Maybery (Kinney), Jordan Unkel Bazinet (Mickey), Susan Unkel, Eric Marcantel (Bethany), Victoria Marcantel, Alexander Marcantel, Blake Trahan (Neggeste), Megan Trahan David (Drew), and Kate Trahan Lejeune (David), along with thirty-three great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his infant son, John Murry Unkel.
Family will recieve friends at Reed-Riley Smith & Son's Funeral Home in Kinder, Louisiana, on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the rosary prayed at 5:30 p.m. Visitation will continue Wednesday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Kinder, Louisiana.Interment will follow at Carter Memorial Cemetery on Park Road in Kinder.
Pallbearers will be his nephew, Hine Unkel; longtime family friend, Clifford LeDay; grandsons Eric Marcantel, Alexander Marcantel, and Blake Trahan; and great-grandson Maxwell Sickey.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the McNeese Foundation, designated for the Dr. Patrick J. Unkel Scholarship Fund, Box 91989, Lake Charles, Louisiana 70609.