Jeffrey Kunkel, age 57, died suddenly Friday, April 13, 2018. Jeff graduated from Lloyd Memorial High School in Erlanger, Ky and had a Master’s Degree in Music Theory from Eastern Kentucky University. He was a well known musician and music teacher in the Indianapolis area.
He leaves two sons, Griffon and Graham Kunkel of Indianapolis;Â parents, Joyce and Mike Kunkel of Erlanger, Ky; a brother, Greg Kunkel of Florence, Ky; and nephews, Jared, Tyler, and Adam Kunkel of Florence, Ky.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 11, 2018 at Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 1150 Donaldson Rd. Erlanger, Ky. 41018. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Mary Queen of Heaven Church.
Kristine Cayze says
So very sorry to see this. Jeff was a special man. Many great memories with him and the family! May he keep the music going in heaven. Praying for comfort for his sons, parents, brother, and family.
Tim Roszmann says
Thought and prayers for the family. RIP, Jeff.
Miles Davis says
I just learned of Jeff passing. He was a very kind and gentle soul. My deepest condolences to his friends and his family. He will be missed terribly. He was indeed a good friend. With deepest sympathies, Miles Davis
Rachael Morton says
We were so sad to hear of Jeff’s sudden passing. Jeff taught piano to my children (one is named Graham) and their favorite part of the lesson was at the end when Jeff would play a song for them. He usually stayed late because they would beg him for just one more song and he would happily play on. He also loved to tell stories of his sons and growing up with them. We will miss you Jeff. My condolences to his family and especially his sons. He loved to talk about you both.
Margaret Howser says
Jeff and I were school mates, all the way from Arnett to Lloyd. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. For one of our class reunions, we sent out a questionnaire with one of the questions being “What was your worst memory in high school?” Jeff’s reply was by far the one that made me laugh the most and was the day he told Coach Daugherty that he wanted to stay in the band and would not play on the football team. He was a gentle giant and I remember him fondly. My heart goes out to Jeff’s family.
Lori Meagher Gibson says
Jeff was a special friend to me from Elementary school to high school graduation. He made me laugh and I so admired his talent. So sorry to see him gone too soon. My condolences to his family.
Dave Webber says
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Jeff. I was at EKU with him and have many fond and fun memories of those days. My prayers are with his family and friends. God Bless you all!
Rob Parton says
I am so sorry to hear this news. Jeff was an inspiration to me in my younger years and was such a wonderful musician. My deepest sympathy goes out the family. RIP my friend.
David J Gressle says
So hard to hear of this loss. Jeff and I were good friends in high school and participated in so much of the high school jazz band, concert and marching band activities while growing up. The world was a better place with Jeff’s smile and laughter. I will always remember him up on one leg striking an Ian Anderson pose! (Jethro Tull thing 🙂 Rest in peace my friend.
Mark Montfort says
So so sad, prayers to the family in hopes He can comfort you at your time of need.
Jeff was an awesome musician and a great person that I had the honor to work with and will be truly missed.
Rebeca Osuna says
I was so saddened to hear about Jeff’s passing. He was suppose to come over that Friday for my children’s piano lessons. Not only was he my children’s piano teacher for the last past 4 years but he also became my friend. He was a kind and gentle soul. He will be missed. My sincere condolences to his sons and family…May God fill your hearts with peace and comfort during this hard time…
Jeff McKeehan says
I’m sad to hear of Jeff’s passing. We were neighbors in Commonwealth Hall and spent many an evening discussing theory (we both majored in it) and doing impersonations of our professors. He was genuine, down-to-earth, and focused on the music he loved.
Mike Johnson says
My condolences to Jeffs Family. I was in the Percussion section with Jeff at EKU. A wonderful musician, he carried a Kermit the Frog replica on his marching marimba, + he always carried a big warm smile. Rest In Peace.
Jenny McGowan says
Deepest sympathies to Griffon and Graham. The loss of a parent especially at your young ages is difficult. We send our love and prayers to you both and the rest of Jeff’s family as you celebrate your father’s life.
Jay Fox says
We just heard about Jeff’s passing and are very saddened by the news. Jeff was a very talented musician and a great friend. We always enjoyed being on the road with him and playing music at the festivals. His greatest pleasure he spoke of the most were his two boys. Our deepest Sympathies and prayers are with his family and close friends .” Thank you for the music Jeff!”
Jay, Patrice, and Eric
the Jay Fox Band
Stephen Anthony says
During this day of grief, we pray the Lord’s comfort for the family and friends of Jeff Kunkel. We are so grateful to have known him.
Since Jeff’s passing, our family has missed his quirky charm, sincere kindness, and incredible talent. During weekly lessons for the last three years, he has been imparting his substantial musical expertise to our oldest son and just started lessons with our youngest: it is a rich, holistic appreciation of music grounded in theory, forged in technique, demonstrated in a robust repertoire, and treasured in the moment. For us, every musical instructor going forward will be measured against Jeff’s standards.
Through many conversations are certain about two things for Jeff: 1. he had a passion for music 2. he adored his sons. We mourn our shared loss but celebrate his influence that will always be a part of our family.
Devorah Jones says
So sorry to hear about Jeff. Met him while I was living in Indianapolis. A great friend and musician. The sincerest of condolences to the family.
Jim Witmer says
I am so sadden by the loss of such a great friend, teacher, writing partner and inspiration. He taught me everything about music and made me a better musician. I will truly remember all the time we spent writing and working on music together in the studio, going to gigs and just hanging out. Jeff was not only a great talent but was also musical genius. My deepest sympathies to Griffon, Graham, Greg, Joyce and Mike. May God bless you during your time of loss. Rest In Peace my friend!
Jennifer Camp ell says
I just now learned of Jeff’s passing. I worked with him as a music teacher at Meridian Music many years ago. He is most definitely gone way too soon. My sincerest condolences to his whole family.