Brandon Scott Kunkel

Born: September 13, 1979

Died: June 9, 2025

Brandon Scott Kunkel, 45, of Madison, Wisconsin passed away of natural causes on June 9, 2025. He was born in DeKalb, Illinois on September 13, 1979, to Larry and Lori (Reingardt) Kunkel. Brandon grew up in DeKalb surrounded by his large extended family including numerous grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Brandon was the light of his father's life. They shared a love of fishing, whether from the bank of a river or the middle of a lake, always hoping to catch the big one while enjoying one another's company. Brandon learned carpentry and woodworking from his dad, a skill he used throughout his life often making things to give as gifts.

As a kid, Brandon and his DeKalb cousins were inseparable, spending summer days riding bikes all over town, fishing in the NIU lagoon and Kishwaukee River, playing pick-up baseball, and swimming at Hopkins Park pool. Nights were spent with sleepovers and games of kick the can. Every summer for a good number of years included a week-long vacation at a lakeside cabin in Wisconsin where fun and laughs were never ending.

Brandon had a soft spot for his little sister, Lyndsay. At eight years older, he was thrilled to have become a big brother and loved her to no end. They spent their young lives together with big brother showing the way whether it was learning to ride a bike or drive a car.

Just as Brandon was the light of his father's life, Brandon's children, Hunter and Serenity, were the light of his life. His face lit up whenever he spoke of them; he was so very proud of them. Brandon loved nothing more than being a father.

Brandon's strong will to persevere gave him strength and courage to push forward in life even when life was challenging. He had a kind heart and was a friend to many, always looking out for and providing encouraging words and good deeds to those in need of emotional support. He had a lifelong love of animals and especially cherished his dog and constant companion, Bella.

Brandon worked for years at Pandiut Corporation in DeKalb and most recently at Agrace in Wisconsin.

Brandon was loved and will be missed by his father Larry, stepmom Dana, sister Lyndsay Estes of Dickson, Tennessee, children Hunter and Serenity, step-grandparents Raymond and Biruta Ditrichs, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother Lori; grandparents Earl and Irene Kunkel, Harold Reingardt, and Don and Shirley Oakland; uncle Barry Kunkel; aunts Sherry Bute and Kathy Charnstrom; nephew Jerry Kunkel.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 10:00 – 11:30 am at Finch Funeral Home in DeKalb. The service will follow at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Brandon's memory can be made to WisCares, the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine community veterinary clinic for families experiencing low income and/or homelessness (www.wiscares.wisc.edu) or to a mental health charity of choice. Cremation rites and arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home, 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115, 815-758-3841.