Ronald George Gunkel, age 71, passed away Thursday, September 19, 2019 in Frisco, Texas. Ron was born February 9, 1948 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Wilbert and Margarita (Federspiel) Gunkel. Ron was survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Bernice Mary (Bedran) Gunkel, two sons, Shane Matthew (Traecy) Gunkel and Aaron Fued (Brandi) Gunkel, and four grandchildren, Gavin Gunkel, Trent Gunkel, Drew Gunkel and Mary Gunkel. He also leaves behind a brother Norman Gunkel, 90, a sister Margie Gunkel Harvey, 86, 32 nieces and nephews, relatives and friends to mourn his passing. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Marvin Gunkel and a sister Marilyn Gunkel DeGrandchamp.
Ron was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in The Colony, Texas. His Christian faith never wavered, even throughout his world travels, he would always set aside the Lord’s day and faithfully attended Mass. Following high school, Ron served in the U.S. Navy and relocated to Jacksonville Florida where he met and married his wife Bernice. Ron had a long career as an electrical engineer with GTE for 15 years and retired from Northern Telcom after 25 years. He had many hobbies and was an excellent woodsman and cabinet builder. He love to fish, boat, ride on his Gold Wing motorcycle, travel and spend time with his family. His grandchildren were the apple of his blue eyes and he was so proud of them.
A celebration of the life of Ron Gunkel will be held Wednesday, September 25 at 6 PM at Hardage-Giddens Riverside Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida. Funeral services will be held at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 8523 Normandy Blvd at 11 AM, September 26, 2019 (Rosary at 10 AM) Father Adam Izbicki officiating with burial to follow at Riverside Memorial Park.
