Steven Kunkel

Steven Charles Kunkel, 76 of Elkhart, IN passed away on Friday, September 12, 2025 at his home. Steve was born on March 30, 1949 in Elkhart, IN to Charles and Collen Kunkel.

Steve graduated from Elkhart High School, class of 1967 and from Indiana Vocational Technology College, South Bend in 1988 with an Associates Degree in Applied Sciences. In 1996 Steve was awarded the designation of Certified Protection Professional from the ASIS International Professional Board. Steve worked as an Electronic Security Systems administrator at Bayer Corporation from February 1983 to March of 2004. He then worked for multiple local security companies, Employers Security as manager of Electronic Services and Permar Security Services as a Security Account Representative. He worked from October 2014 until his passing as a Senior Technical Advisor for M&M Fire Protection and Security. Steve was a member of the original First United Methodist Church (EUB) in Elkhart.

Steve is survived by his sister, Barbara (Brad) Cook of Elkhart, IN., his sister-in-law Elizabeth Kunkel; nieces and nephew, Tony (Julie) Cook, Heather (Hannah Riley) Cook, Kristi (Jamen) King and Greg (Rachel) Kunkel and several great nieces and great nephews. Steve was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Tom Kunkel.

Steve enjoyed his family, always sure to attend family holidays, birthdays, graduations, weddings of his nieces and nephews and birthdays and graduations of his great nieces and nephews. He had great friends and co-workers. He never hesitated to answer a call from anyone and was always happy to help anyone in any way needed. During the last couple of years, these friends and co-workers repaid Steve in many ways as his health declined.

One year ago, the family was blessed to find Sara, a caregiver, to assist Steve in his daily life so he could remain at home.

A time to celebrate Steve's life will be from 4-6 pm on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514. Graveside service for Steve will be private, as he will be laid to rest next to his parents at Rice Cemetery in Elkhart, IN. Memorials for Steve may be given to Maryland School for the Blind, 3501 Taylor Avenue, Nottingham, MD 21236 or at http://marylandschoolfortheblind.org/ Online condolences may be made to Steve's family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com

On a lighter note, if you want to pay tribute to Steve, go to the casino and play a slot machine or Dairy Queen and get a Peanut Butter Milkshake!