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