John Raymond Kunkel, D.V.M.

John, also known by his relatives as Jack, passed away on Nov. 21, 2016 after a valiant battle with Alzheimer’s in Mesa, AZ. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 41 years, Donna, his children Angela (Marijke), Daniel, Amy, Lynn (Joe), Bonnie, Michael (Linda), and his 10 grandchildren Killian, Liam, Joshua, Jenna, Jessica, Conor, Samantha, Bridget, Jordan and Luke.  John and Donna raised each other’s children as their own. John is survived by his brothers Andy and Dick, sisters Lorraine, Sylvia and Donna, as well as many loving and supportive extended family and friends. John was preceded in death by sisters Virginia and Wally, brothers Alvin and Al.

John was born to Rose Nistler and John Kunkel Sr. on Jan. 4, 1940 in Pearl Lake, MN and was one of 10 children. He grew up on the family farm where he developed a deep connection and appreciation for the land and animals.  In 1963, he graduated from the University of Minnesota as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine; and was in practice for over 15 years in St. Michael, MN. His primary professional interest was bovine veterinary medicine.

In 1975, John married Donna, and the next year moved to Jericho, Vermont to join the faculty of University of Vermont. He also worked in the Animal Health Lab, and later was part of the Extension service. He was the Associate Extension Professor of Animal Science and taught Animal Health Courses. Dr. S.J. Roberts, Professor Emeritus and Department Chair at Cornell University and a practicing  veterinarian in Woodstock, Vermont endorsed and recommended John for reappointment. He said John was appreciated for his initiative and enthusiasm for developing, researching, and imparting his knowledge and expertise to students, farmers and veterinarians as well as to his associates at UVM. He organized, developed and presented courses of veterinary importance to college students; as well as organizing and imparting information to veterinarians in meetings to update them on new developments.

The final phase of his professional career was concluded at West Virginia University Animal and Veterinary Science Department in Morgantown, West Virginia. John developed programs in lambs and calves for farmers at West Virginia.  He also taught classes at WVU, and did many hands on demonstrations.

After retirement, he assisted students and colleagues at Massey University in Palmerston North, New Zealand, mostly working with sheep and lambs by doing field work with the students. He did this for four years during our winters in Vermont.

John had an easy manner and never met a stranger. Whether it was at the local farm, across the US, or around the world, including Kenya, England, Uganda, Honduras, and New Zealand. He loved to meet new people, learn new things; and he freely shared his knowledge and laughter with all. A walk in the woods with John quickly became an expert lesson in botany and bird song. His infectious laugh made people smile.  He often had a story to share about his many escapades as a vet, gathering wild rice, picking mushrooms, birding, sugaring, or constructing a massive garden with an extensive rock wall. In fact, he willingly tackled any dificult project, as long as he could use any one of his three tractors.  He had two green thumbs and was thought of as a master gardener!

He loved his land in Vermont, particularly the high meadow & woods. Often, we would see him giving tractor rides whether it was to his grandkids, friends, family, his mother and mother?in?law. John loved life and loved to sing, joyfully and loudly, especially in church even if he was off key!

Last, but not least, John and Donna conserved with the Vermont Land Trust most of their wooded land that hosted wild life of bears, coyotes, deer, moose and other species to be enjoyed by others forever.