Cheryl A. Kunkel, 80, of Elkhorn, WI, died peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, January 27, 2025, at The Gardens at Ridgestone in Elkhorn. Cheryl was born October 27, 1944, in Milwaukee, WI, the daughter of the late Louis and Kathryn (Rowlee) Karbowski. Cheryl was united in marriage to the love of her life, Donald Kunkel, on October 28, 1972, in Elkhorn. Together, they were devoted parents to six children: Laurie Kunkel-Jordan, Susan (Gary) Wagner, Donald Joseph Ryan, Michael Kunkel, Jennifer (Jeff) Carlson, and Andrew (Jessica) Kunkel. Cheryl was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. In a word, Cheryl was a "nurturer." She was a dedicated homemaker who took great pride in keeping an immaculately clean home, cooking delicious meals, and baking favorite desserts for her family. Cheryl was an avid gardener, evident by the numerous flower beds bursting with blooms that she fastidiously tended at the "Pharm," spring, summer, and fall. She met her children's needs by way of pet chickens, endless patience for the dismantling of perfectly good bicycles and lawnmowers, and a comforting touch and encouragement in just the right moments. Cheryl happily carted her children and their friends to and from the Sunset Park pool, sports practice and games, Alpine Valley, and numerous other social activities. As many will attest, family and friends were always welcome in the Kunkel home and "taxi."

Cheryl graduated from Elkhorn Area High School with the Class of 1962. She was a member of the Elkhorn Garden Club and served as a General Leader of the Elkhorn 4-H Club. Cheryl fully enjoyed her many years waiting tables and hostessing in the Sterlingworth and Evergreen dining rooms, where she made life-long friends. She owned First Choice Produce, a company she successfully launched in partnership with her brother and sustained with the dedicated hands-on help of her daughter, Susan. For 15 years, she lovingly managed the office of Kunkel HealthCare in McHenry, IL. Cheryl was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church of Elkhorn. There, she taught catechism, delivered readings at Mass, and renewed her faith through the warm embrace of her "Chirp" sisters. Cheryl pursued higher education late in life and was very proud of her time as student at Alverno College in Milwaukee. No surprise to her family, Cheryl's kind nature attracted many much younger and disadvantaged Alverno student peers, who sincerely appreciated her motherly support.

Cheryl is survived by her 6 children; 11 grandchildren- Joey, Matthew, Whittney, Mackenzie, Donald Joseph Jr., Joshua, Hay'Lee, Nathan, Megan, Rawley and Millie; 12 great-grandchildren- Ava, Luna, Olive, Caden, Audrey, Madilyn, Grayer, Brooks, Georgia, Remi, Elle, and Steven; and her brother, Dennis (Deanna) Karbowski. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Donald, grandsons, Dylan and Louis, and brother, Doran Karbowski,

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 107 W. Walworth St. Elkhorn, WI.  Visitation will be held on Saturday at the Church, from 10:00AM until Mass begins. In lieu of flowers, the family will appreciate your consideration of a gift to the Alverno College School of Nursing Dean's Fund. Gifts can be made online at  www.alverno.edu/donate or mailed to

Advancement Office

Alverno College

P.O. Box 343922

Milwaukee, WI 53234-3922

Please designate your gift as Cheryl Kunkel Memorial or School of Nursing Dean's Fund.

Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Homes have completed arrangements for the Kunkel Family.  Online guest book available at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.

Alverno College School of Nursing Dean's Fund
Advancement Office, Alverno College, P.O. Box 343922, Milwaukee WI 53234-3922
Web: http://www.alverno.edu/donate