Donald A. Kunecke Born: Feb 13, 1953, in Lincoln, NE Died: May 5, 2024, in Byron, IL

Donald A. Kunecke, 71, of DeKalb passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at Generations at Neighbors in Byron, IL. He was born on Feb 13, 1953, in Lincoln, NE and was the son of Harold and Virginia Kunecke.

Don loved musicals and was involved in theater in high school and college, and he played the accordion. He enjoyed cooking and spending time with family. He worked as a Database Engineer for over 40 years and retired from Allstate in 2021. Don was a good, selfless man who showed kindness and brought laughter to all those around him. He was also genuine and unapologetically honest with a knack for inspiring others with his creativity to dream bigger and wider. Don's strength and courage in raising 3 young daughters on his own was one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of his life. Don was an incredible father who showed unconditional love–he could not have been more proud of the adults that his daughters had become. Don will always be remembered for the fight and optimism he gave every single day to spend more time with his family. He will be forever loved and his memory will be forever cherished and in our hearts until we meet again.

He is survived by his wife, Colleen, his three daughters, Rianne Chinchilla, Lexie Barbier and Nichelle Friedenthal, his grandchildren Leo, Dak, Zen, Taylor, Erica and Sophia, his great grandson, Jayden, his brother, Bill, his sister, Kathy, his three stepchildren, Rachel Larson, Nathaniel Torbett and Brandi Torbett. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Virginia, and his brother, John.

There will be a private celebration of life (to be announced) among friends and family.