Ralph Jacob Kunkle's Obituary
Ralph Jacob “RJ” Kunkle lived an extraordinary life for all his 93 years.
RJ was a self-made businessman who started his first business in 1951. He worked in historic restoration for his entire career and was known all over the mid-west for his work. He restored over 100 courthouses and worked on multiple state capitols and countless churches and other historic sites. RJ’s impact in historic restoration extends today in the next generation as his daughters Melissa and Cassie each operate very successful businesses in the historic trades that RJ so loved.
RJ was known to be smart and warm and a very generous person. He was witty and often entertained those around him with interesting facts. RJ was never at a loss for words and was always quick to share his opinions on any subject. He was compassionate and loving as well as tough and stubborn all at the same time. He offered to all those who knew and loved him a tremendous love and passion for life and all the joys of family and friends.
RJ loved travel and most enjoyed travel with Susan in the many trips they shared around the world. He adored every moment spent with family and friends, especially playing cards. He loved to “shoot-the-moon” in a Hearts game. One of his passions was golf. He even made a “hole-in-one.” He was a pilot and loved to tell the stories of crashing 7 airplanes and walking away from 6 of the crashes. He had to swim from the 7th crash in Pleasant Hill Lake. As one of his long-time friends said, “He was one of a kind. He was the best organizer from all the golf matches, golf trips, football pool parties and of course one pocket games. God will never make his duplicate.” At his core was his love of life, love of family and his will to live life to the fullest.
RJ is survived by Susan Neff, his loving companion, his daughters, Lynne Kunkle, Melissa (Rick) West, Cassie (Randall) Gardner and Tracey Simpkins, his sister Nancy Naucke, and grandchildren, Joel (Hillary) Gray, Lauren (Rob) Gray, Alexa Gray, Louis Kunkle, Justin (Caroline) Cecil, Kara (Alex) Cecil-Wietrzykowski, Grant West, Nathan West, Mason Gardner, Courtney (Alan) Hicks, Cassidy Simpkins, Lindsay Burkhart, Erin Burkhart, Oliver Coffey, Carlin Coffey and 12 Great-Grandchildren.
RJ was preceded in death by his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy Kunkle, as well as his son, Paul Louis Kunkle, his daughter Heidi Cecil and his brother P. William Kunkle.
RJ will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.
Please join us as we celebrate the extraordinary life of RJ Kunkle.
You always had a hug, a smile, a positive outlook and never knew a stranger. Our Hearts games will be forever changed. You gave us many memories which we will share lovingly.
Family invites you join our celebration of his extraordinary life and to share his stories on Friday, October 21 from 5:00–9:00 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel of Dublin. 600 Metro Pl N, Dublin, OH 43017
What’s your fondest memory of Ralph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ralph?
Share a story where Ralph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ralph you’ll never forget.
How did Ralph make you smile?