Ralph Edward Kunkemoeller
December 1, 1928 - February 2, 2022
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Ralph Kunkemoeller, 93, a lifelong resident of Kenton County, passed away on the morning of February 2, 2022 at Madonna Manor in Villa Hills, Kentucky. Married to Gloria (Collins) Kunkemoeller for 71 years, Ralph would tell anyone she was the "love of his life". They were together to the end. Sharing a passion for all things "Steamboatin" they enjoyed many river excursions, making friends wherever they went. Trips on The Delta Queen were always their favorites. Ralph is survived by his sweetheart, Gloria, their one daughter Lisa (Gutsmann) and Ralph's "favorite" son-in-law (and his only!) Karl. Sharing the many blessings of life's journey with Ralph and Gloria are a host of loving relatives, friends, neighbors, the "church family" at Mother of God in Covington and the new "family" at with many of the staff at Madonna Manor. Ralph was the last of his siblings Robert, Rita (Wenz), and Ruth (Hedges). Ralph who was known as a man of many hats, has enjoyed various careers. He retired in 1988 after 37 years with R.L. Polk to go to work for fun at the Oldenburg Brewery Complex as a tour guide, master of ceremonies and caretaker of beer memorabilia until he retired in 1997. Having served in various volunteer roles at Mother of God thru the years - Building Committee, Finance Committee, Usher and then Governing Board (now known as Parish Council) he was coaxed into the role of Business Manager for the Church by the then Pastor. Ultimately serving for three pastors, he later described his 15 years of church work as a "labor of love" and prayerfully retired in 2014. In addition to his work and dedicated family life, Ralph served his community thru the Taylor Mills Lion Club, elected as their Charter President, a coach in the Taylor Mill Booster's Baseball League, served as the 1st male President of the Park Hills Elementary School PTA, was co-editor of the Park Hills Civic Association's first newsletter "The Hub", a volunteer at the Behringer-Crawford Museum, a volunteer at Tallstacks, a member of Knights of St. John, the Friends of Covington, the Paddlewheel Steamboatin Society and gladly served as a greeter at the port of Cincinnati for the Delta Queen Steamboat Company. He was a Kentucky Colonel and also a Kentucky Admiral. Through all of life's changes and his different roles, Ralph was known for his smile, his humor and most of all for his HATS! One for every occasion they were collected on family travels with Gloria, Lisa and Karl. They gave joy to Ralph and to others when he recounted the story of the hat he was wearing on that day. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to the Mother of God Memorial Fund or to a charity of the donors' choice in honor of a life well lived. A private burial will take place at Highlands Cemetery, Ft. Mitchell, KY. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Madonna Manor for the family. In the future, the Kunkemoeller Family plans to have a Celebration of Life for departed members of the Kunkemoeller family at Ralph's beloved home parish, Mother of God Church in Covington, Kentucky. The family would like to recognize the care received by Ralph thru the ministrations of the staff at Madonna Manor, Davita Dialysis and Bluegrass Hospice Care. Lovingly given and lovingly received. Connley Brothers Funeral Home, Covington (Latonia) KY is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed on Facebook or at www.connleybrothersfuneralhome.com
Condolences
Anita Heidrich - Feb 8, 2022
Gloria, Lisa, and Karl, My sympathy on the death of Ralph. He was a wonderful, caring person and I am so fortunate to know him. He will be missed. Anita
Marsha and Guy Linnemann - Feb 7, 2022
Gloria and Lisa, Guy and I send you our prayers and much love. Ralph was a wonderful man and a friend to many. He was such a servant leader. Please know that we remember you all fondly from those Zion Lutheran days. Oh, and of course our wedding! Hugs to you both.
Nancy Boylson - Feb 7, 2022
Miss you and love you!
Monty OHara - Feb 6, 2022
Lisa, Gloria and Karl. So sorry to hear of Ralph's passing and your loss. What a meaning ful life he lead. We all have some great memories to hang on to. Bless you all
Glenda Christensen - Feb 5, 2022
Ralph was the kindest man I’ve ever known. He always made my days brighter. Love and hugs to Gloria, Lisa and Karl.
Kelly Read - Feb 5, 2022
Lisa and Mrs. K, We are so sorry to hear about Mr. K's passing. We have so many happy memories of our neighbors in Park Hills. He was such a kind man. Prayers are with you. Pam and Kelly Read
Julie Geisen Scheper - Feb 4, 2022
Gloria and Family, we are so deeply sorry for your loss of your sweetheart! What a joy to know both of you from Mother of God--always such a cute couple! Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Fondly, Julie and Chuck
Philomena daniels - Feb 3, 2022
Ralph was such a wonderful man, very kind and loving,he will always missed n l will always remember his smile,my heart goes to Gloria and her family, may God’s continue to strengthen them,Rip Ralph
Melissa Gillett - Feb 3, 2022
Uncle Ralph you will be missed, your kindness, laughter and your hats!❤️ Love you Melissa Perkins Gillett
Maria Paolucci - Feb 3, 2022
Gloria,Lisa and Karl, sharing condolences for Ralph's passing. One of my favorite people to see at MOg and then Madonna Manor. Gloria and Ralph were so thoughtful to our family when my dad was at Madonna Manor, and I will forever remember and am grateful for their love. Prayers for love and strength as you memorialize Ralph.
Pam Goetz - Feb 3, 2022
Ralph you will truly be missed. I admired you so much. I know God only takes the best and you are now one is heavenly angel. Love you sweet man. My prayers and love to your beautiful wife, daughter and son in-law.
Dr Bill Nielson - Feb 3, 2022
My deepest sympathy to you Gloria. You and Ralph were truly some of my favorite patients as I always looked forward to seeing you both. May the peace of God be with you as you mourn his passing, knowing that he is rejoicing with his Savior.
Reggie Korte & Chuck - Feb 3, 2022
Gloria, Sorry to hear about Ralph
Diana and Doug Webb - Feb 3, 2022
There are many fond memories of Ralph, Gloria, and Lisa throughout the years. Most appreciated was at Dixie with Lisa in the choir and Ralph and Gloria instrumental in getting the update of facilities for the fine arts. Our deepest sympathy to you. Let us know about the mass at MOG
Betty Bryant - Feb 3, 2022
Gloria and Lisa, Orville and I send blessings to you and all the family for the loss of your dear Ralph. May our Lord give you the peace needed to deal with this loss.
Aaron Meyer - Feb 2, 2022
Had so much fun as a kid and later as an adult with Gloria & Ralph. I love hats too I wonder if Ralph was the originator of that for me. He will be missed. Prayers for family and friends.
Aubrey Schmidt - Feb 2, 2022
My heart and prayers to your family. He really was a very sweet man. Always did I see a smile. How love for Gloria was an inspiration. Fly dear angel. Guide and protect.
Devan berg - Feb 2, 2022
Ralph was a very lovely man. I am blessed to have known him and been able to care for him at Madonna Manor. My heart goes out to Gloria and family.