It is with deep sorrow and much love that the family of Kevin Lee Kunkel, of Pickerington, Ohio, announces his passing on May 11, 2026, at the age of 59 years. Kevin was born on March 23, 1967, in Pittsburgh, PA. He married his beautiful wife, Deanna, in Pittsburgh on May 16, 1992, and they spent most of their 34 years together in Pickerington raising their family.

Kevin was committed to everything professionally and personally. After graduating from Robert Morris Business School and obtaining his MBA, Kevin joined IDEXX Laboratories in the early 2000s and helped the company grow exponentially over the past two decades. It was easy to see how much his coworkers valued his leadership; he led with a blend of intelligence, humor, and sincerity, and the genuine friendships he built with his colleagues really spoke to that. Working for a company focused on helping animals was a perfect fit for Kevin. The Kunkel household always had a dog snuggled up to a family member, but no one more often than Kevin; even the pets knew how thoughtful and caring he was.

His kids knew it, too. A devoted father, he never missed one of his children’s activities or events. Whether it was a concert, sporting event, or a mock trial, Kevin was there and was their biggest fan.

Growing up in Pittsburgh, Kevin was a lifelong Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates fan. When he and Deanna met working together at UPS, they quickly bonded over watching and attending games together. Not only was he always up for watching a game, but he would play too. Starting at a very young age, he could often be seen playing kickball, wiffleball, or hockey on the street with the neighborhood kids. After he became a dad, he continued to stay active. He swam, participated in local softball leagues, joined Seton Parish basketball games, and loved rollerblading with the dogs. Even after his kids graduated, Kevin could be seen at local Pickerington Central games or refereeing basketball to support the community and cheer on more kids from his town.

As his kids grew up, Kevin also welcomed the opportunity to re-engage in old hobbies. He was thrilled to join the Cumberland Trails Golf Club to play 18 holes a few times a week. He was happy to see friends and play poker during their weekly games. He and Deanna enjoyed nights out together, often seeing a musical or show. And he never missed a chance to play a game with his kids and wife, with favorites including 500 Bid, card game Golf, Pathfinder, or Kunkel Family Jeopardy. The family will always cherish these wonderful memories and will miss his competitive spirit and quick wit.

Kevin is preceded in death by his father, William (“Bill”) Finlay; his brother, Steven Kunkel; and his father-in-law, Douglas VanVorous. 

Kevin is survived by his wife, Deanna Kunkel; children, Tyler Kunkel, Danielle (“Dani”) Kunkel, Logan Kunkel, and Brooks Kunkel; his mother, Carol Finlay; his mother-in-law, Dixie VanVorous; his brothers, Bill Jr. (Janet) Finlay, David (Lesley) Kunkel and Greg (Gretchen) Kunkel; his sisters Cheryl (Jim) Muraco and Cindy Ousley; his brother-in-law, Damon (Diane) VanVorous; his sister-in-law, Jan Kunkel; his half-brother, Dave Kunkel; his ever-devoted dog, Harley; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Memorial donations in Kevin’s name may be made to the animal health and welfare charity, 15/10 Foundation.

Family and friends are invited to a viewing on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Dwayne R. Spence Funeral Home, 550 Hill Rd N, Pickerington, OH 43147. Mass will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 10:30 AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 600 Hill Rd N, Pickerington, OH 43147.

Burial will be in Blossomberg Cemetery in Fish Creek, Door County, WI, in his wife’s family plot on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

Casperson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, LLC in Sister Bay is assisting the Kunkel family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Kevin may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.CaspersonFuneralHome.com.

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