Donald B. Kuncl, age 87, of Crete, passed away peacefully at his home on April 29, 2025. He was born Nov. 22, 1937, to Robert and Norma (Nohavec) Kuncl.
Don graduated from Crete High School with the class of 1955. He attended Doane College and later received a degree from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. While in Cincinnati, he married Marilyn Jo McIlnay, on Dec. 29, 1957. Don served in the National Guard from 1961 until 1966 and was stationed in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, where Scott was born. Precisely 11 years later, Don and Marilyn had Jeff.
Following his return to Crete, he worked alongside his father until his father's death. At that point, he assumed the role of operating the funeral home. Don and Marilyn worked alongside one another for almost 40 years. He was assisted by his brother, Bobby, as they continued to serve the area in the funeral and ambulance service business.
Don was very involved in the community of Crete and enjoyed golfing for many years on the men’s Tuesday night golf league. He was a long-time member of the Crete Lions Club and Nebraska Funeral Directors Association. He also served on the board of directors for City Bank and Trust and as President of the District 88 School Board. Don enjoyed being involved with Armistice Club, American Legion and the Izaak Walton League.
Throughout the years, he looked forward to gathering with friends at “the shed" to play Wednesday cards, (poker and "Darda" in the early years), not much could interfere with that schedule. He had a passion for getting the boat out and fishing anywhere a fish could be caught and enjoyed countless fishing trips with family and friends.
Marilyn passed away Feb. 27, 2005, and after spending a couple years on his own, he sparked a romance with a friend, Bernice. They married in 2007, and have spent the past 18 years enjoying nature, bird watching, fishing, quiet times away at the lake place in McCook, travels to the Rockies and many day trips to view nature at its finest.
Leisurely day trip drives would include looking for eagles (he always knew where he could find them) and evening drives looking for deer (he always knew where to find them). Her children and their families were blessed to be included in the love he had to share.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; wife Marilyn; and brothers, Bob and Rick.
He is survived by wife, Bernice; sons, Scott and Jeff; granddaughter, Jennifer (Shane) Parker; grandson, Jeffrey; great-grandson, Asher, Bruce (Kerry) Albert, Elijah and Ava. Marcie (Tom) Roth, Dylan and Camden (Dominique) Foster; sister-in-law, Barbara Kuncl; nieces, Andrea Steward and Kristine (Steve) Beall; and cousin, Jim Pine.
The funeral service will be Monday, May 5, at 10:30 a.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete. Memorial contributions are in care of the family for future designation.
Arrangements by Kuncl Funeral Home.
