Neil C. Kunkle, 86, of Peru, passed away on Friday, December 1, 2023 at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana in Fort Wayne.
Neil was born on December 20. 1936 in Miami county to Gene and Berniece (Shank) Kunkle.
He was a proud 1954 graduate of Butler High School. He received a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1958 and a master’s degree from Ball State Teachers college. Neil taught Industrial Arts for 40 years In Hartford City, Peru Junior High, Northwestern High School, Haworth High School (Kokomo) and Heartland Career Center (Wabash). He was proud to have started the WHSK radio station at Haworth.
Though retired Neil never slowed done. He especially enjoyed fishing in his pond with his son, riding his tractor, tinkering on old vehicles, collecting models of antique cars and tractors. He was instrumental in improving the Santa Fe Cemetery. He often could be found at Amboy restaurant and Aroma donut shop where he would share stories of the history of Miami County.
Surviving are his daughter Phyllis (Charlie) Handschu of Logansport and son Owen (Teresa) Kunkle of Plainfield, grandchildren Elaine. Valerie (Baka), Natalie, D.J. (Stacy), Kassy (Jai), Nikki (Caleb), Teddi (Kreg) and 7 great grandchildren; brothers Don (Shirley), Rob (Kathy) and sister-in-law Janet.
His son Jay Kunkle, brother Mark and his parents preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2023 from 11:00am-1:00pm at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street, Peru, Indiana. Funeral services will follow at 1:00pm. Burial will take place at Santa Fe Cemetery, Peru, Indiana.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Miami County Museum and the Santa Fe Cemetery Association.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.
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