Thomas L. Kunkel

Hastings resident Thomas L. “Tom” Kunkel, 81, passed away Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at The Homestead, Hastings, NE. 

Memorial Services with military honors by U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 19, at First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hastings, Nebraska with Pastor Dale Phillips officiating. There will be no burial at this time. A book signing will be 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Friday, October 18, at the funeral home, and one hour before the service at the church. Memorials may be given to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date. The service will be live-streamed on Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home’s website. To view the service, go to Tom’s obituary and click the play button shown towards the bottom of the page. 

We all want to live a life that matters and Tom certainly did. He was born November 2, 1942, in Lake City, IA “the city without a lake” to Joseph Gustaf and Louise Marie “Mary” (Maple) Kunkel. As a lifelong learner he graduated from Falls City High School in 1961, Peru State College in 1971, University of Nebraska Omaha with his Master’s Degree and Specialist Degree. Tom served as a Marine in Vietnam. Coming home to college he met and married his bride of 55 years, Nancy McMullen, on December 26, 1968. This union brought three children, Amy, Joe, and Steve. 

His passion was helping others learn as he was an elementary science teacher, elementary principal, and Superintendent of Newman Grove Public Schools for many years. In addition to his career, he served others as Sunday School Superintendent at Grace Lutheran Church later transferring that membership here to First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. He enjoyed social activities including Elks Club, Lions, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and the Hebron Volunteer Fire Department. Known as a ”car guy” he restored many cars including a ’50 Merc, ’56 Ford Pickup, and ‘72 El Camino. He was a proud part of both the Raider and Husker Nation.

The effect of a person’s life can be measured by their impact on future generations Tom’s influence can be felt by the way he touched the lives of many students, educators, and families continually advocating for those who needed it. He will truly be missed by all those who cherish memories of his care and generosity. 

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, and sister and brother-in-law, Nancy & Ron Broers.

SURVIVORS:
Wife:
    Nancy Kunkel
Daughter & Spouse:
    Amy & Trent Kelly
Sons & Spouses:
    Joe & Jenny Kunkel
    Steve & Aunna Kunkel
Grandchildren & Spouses:
    Grace Kelly
    Hannah & Jonathan Gibbs
    Drew Kunkel
    Madeline & Jeff Duplechain
    Gretchen Kelly
    Brayden Kunkel
    Riley Kunkel
    Gabby Kelly
    Anthony Kunkel
    Ava Kunkel
    Savanna Kunkel
    Luke Kunkel
    Keeley Kunkel
Great-Granddaughter:
    Faith Gibbs
Sister & Spouse:
    Jane & Ken Rhodus
Sister-in-law & Spouse:
    Gwen & James Ferry
Many Nieces & Nephews
Beloved dogs:
    Herbie
    Shep