Ronald Elliott Kunder

MSgt Ronald (Ron) Elliott Kunder (USAF Ret) (58) passed away August 19, 2025, after a long battle with terminal illness. Ron was born on August 16, 1967, in Charleroi, PA, to John Irven and Florence Alice Kunder.

He graduated from Monessen High School in 1985 and enlisted in the United States Air Force. His distinguished military career in the Air Force began April 8, 1986, where he served in the medical field as an Aerospace Medical Service Specialist (Medic) and Independent Duty Medical Technician. After a 20-year military career, he retired from the USAF on April 30, 2006. Throughout his military career, MSgt Kunder served in many military campaigns including: the Global War on Terrorism, Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He earned many decorations, medals, badges and citations including: Aerial Achievement Medal, AF Commendation Medal W/ 1 Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC), Joint Service Achievement Medal, AF Achievement Medal W/ 1 OLC, Navy Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, AF Outstanding Unit Award W/3 OLC, AF Good Conduct Medal W/ 6 OLC, National Defense Service Medal W/ Bronze Star, South West Asia Service Medal W/Bronze Star, Global War on Terrorism, AF Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, AF Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, AF Longevity Service Award W/3 OLC, NCO Prof Military Education Ribbon W/ 2 OLC, NATO Medal and

Kuwait Liberation Medal . MSgt Kunder and his family were stationed at various stateside Air Force Bases, in addition to overseas bases at Anderson AB, Guam, Ghedi AB, Italy and Incirlik AB, Turkey. During his military career, he also volunteered in many capacities, both personally and professionally, including coaching youth sports, serving on many community/family event committees and color guard.

After retiring from the Air Force, Ron earned his master's degree in healthcare administration from the University of Baltimore. He worked for several well-known Hospital Systems, including his last position with Duke University Healthcare System, where he held the position

of Administrative Director, DUHS Case Management.

Ron passions were his children, woodworking and pickle ball. He spent his free time restoring antique wood furnishings, on the Pickle Ball Court or enjoying family time with his children.

Ron was preceded in death by his father, John Irven Kunder. He is survived by his mother, Florence Alice Kunder of Monessen, PA, his brother, Aaron Joseph Kunder of Perryopolis, PA, his wife, Linda Christene (Chris)(Holder) Kunder of Mebane, NC; 4 children and 2 step-

children; Travis Michael Kunder of Pittsburgh, PA, Peyton Alexander Kunder of Palm Bay, FL, Kieler Jackson Kunder of Mebane, NC, Alaina Justene Kunder of Cullowhee, NC, Logun Nickolas Immel of Blanco, TX, and Monica Shea Immel of Hye, TX.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be planned by family for a later date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Ron's honor to: Duke Hospice, Hock Family Pavilion, 4023 Roxboro Rd., Durham, NC 27704. Online giving site:

https://www.givetodukeathome.org