Loving Husband, Devoted Father and GrandfatherGary Michael Kunkel, 69, of Belvidere, died Saturday, March 20, 2010 in his home after a courageous 10 year fight with lung cancer. Born January 21, 1941 to Leonard and Elizabeth (Paich) Kunkel in Milwaukee, WI. Married Ruth Ostrum on February 18, 1989 in Woodstock, IL. Served our country in the US Army from 1959-1966. Worked as an alcohol and substance abuse counselor, retiring in 2006. Member of Faith Center in Rockford, VFW in Belvidere and American Legion in Capron, member of Alcoholics' Anonymous, sober for 34 years and was an avid camper and fisherman.Survivors include wife Ruth of Belvidere, daughters Kimberly (Gregory) Rucker of Belvidere and Victoria (Ellis) Aldridge of North Carolina; 10 grandchildren; brothers Neil of Kentucky and Leroy of Wisconsin Rapids; sister Jean Kolecny of Milwaukee, WI. Predeceased by parents and sister Joanne.

Memorials may be made to the family.