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Gerald James Kunkel
June 15, 2015 Light a Candle
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Message from Joe Rogers
June 25, 2015 7:05 PM
This posting is late due to the fact I just recently learned of coach Kunkel's passing. I use the term coach in that he came to Carlisle for his first coaching job out of Indiana State and that was my senior year. He coached us to a great year (compared to our previous efforts) and we won the Sullivan County Section in 1951 for the first time in many years.
After graduation from Carlisle High, he encouraged me to enroll at Indiana State and go out for basketball as a walk on. Following John Wooden, John Longfellow took over the coaching duties at Indiana State and, with Gerry's recommendation, allowed me to play with the junior varsity and obviously without a scholarship. Without Gerry's input, it is not likely that I would ever have entered a college program.
Now after sixty four years out of Carlisle High, thanks to Gerry Kunkel, I have had a totally different life than it would otherwise have been. Four years ago when I was back for my class's sixtieth alumni dinner, I stopped at his home in Sullivan and visited he and Mary Jo and thanked him for what he had done 60 years before.
Thanks Gerry, Rest in Pease.
After graduation from Carlisle High, he encouraged me to enroll at Indiana State and go out for basketball as a walk on. Following John Wooden, John Longfellow took over the coaching duties at Indiana State and, with Gerry's recommendation, allowed me to play with the junior varsity and obviously without a scholarship. Without Gerry's input, it is not likely that I would ever have entered a college program.
Now after sixty four years out of Carlisle High, thanks to Gerry Kunkel, I have had a totally different life than it would otherwise have been. Four years ago when I was back for my class's sixtieth alumni dinner, I stopped at his home in Sullivan and visited he and Mary Jo and thanked him for what he had done 60 years before.
Thanks Gerry, Rest in Pease.
Message from Doug Kunkel
June 21, 2015 12:59 AM
Jerry was my uncle and one of my favorites, didn't see him much other then our family reunions either at his house in Sullivan or at my parents house in Lebanon (which is Ken Kunkel, Jerry's younger brother and my dad) both places had swimming pools thats why most reunions was held at either place. Love when uncle jerry would take us boating (water skiing) YAY !!!!
Well love you uncle Jerry and will miss when you and dad got together and talked tech stuff (dad was an engineer)
Well love you uncle Jerry and will miss when you and dad got together and talked tech stuff (dad was an engineer)
Message from John Snyder
June 17, 2015 2:47 PM
Something that was not mentioned in the article was that the legendary Mr. John Wooden coached Mr. Kunkel, when Mr. Kunkel was on the Indiana State University (then Indiana State Teachers College) basketball team.
When I was in the first grade in Carlisle, I liked a girl named Linda Walker. Then most little boys wore baseball type caps (except when in the classroom). So, to show my feelings about Linda, I asked her if she would wear my cap at recess. She donned my hat for several recesses, until about one week later when she gave it back to me. Even though my heart was broken, I said nothing and did not ask her for any explanation. The next day, Linda's best friend told me that Linda dumped me because she wanted a boyfriend that looked like Carlisle's new basketball coach (Mr. Gerald "Jerry" Kunkel).
A few days later, some high school boys were playing softball (gym class) on the field next to the grade school playground. That is when I saw Mr. Kunkel for the first time. Much to my dismay he was a tall, blond, tanned, athletic, Greek-god looking, 22 year-old young man. I suddenly realized that there was no way that I would ever be in the league of Mr. Kunkel. At that moment I gave up my hopes of ever getting Linda as my girlfriend, because I would never be a Mr. Kunkel lookalike.
However, my short-term dislike for Mr. Kunkel quickly changed to complete admiration when I saw him in Mass at St. Mary's church in Sullivan. Finding out that he was Catholic reassured me that it was okay for me to be Catholic.
Today, my heart is heavy with sadness, because of the death of one of my lifetime heroes. God please welcome Mr. Kunkel with Your loving open arms.
John Snyder
When I was in the first grade in Carlisle, I liked a girl named Linda Walker. Then most little boys wore baseball type caps (except when in the classroom). So, to show my feelings about Linda, I asked her if she would wear my cap at recess. She donned my hat for several recesses, until about one week later when she gave it back to me. Even though my heart was broken, I said nothing and did not ask her for any explanation. The next day, Linda's best friend told me that Linda dumped me because she wanted a boyfriend that looked like Carlisle's new basketball coach (Mr. Gerald "Jerry" Kunkel).
A few days later, some high school boys were playing softball (gym class) on the field next to the grade school playground. That is when I saw Mr. Kunkel for the first time. Much to my dismay he was a tall, blond, tanned, athletic, Greek-god looking, 22 year-old young man. I suddenly realized that there was no way that I would ever be in the league of Mr. Kunkel. At that moment I gave up my hopes of ever getting Linda as my girlfriend, because I would never be a Mr. Kunkel lookalike.
However, my short-term dislike for Mr. Kunkel quickly changed to complete admiration when I saw him in Mass at St. Mary's church in Sullivan. Finding out that he was Catholic reassured me that it was okay for me to be Catholic.
Today, my heart is heavy with sadness, because of the death of one of my lifetime heroes. God please welcome Mr. Kunkel with Your loving open arms.
John Snyder
Message from Emil Page
June 16, 2015 8:40 AM
Jerry was a major influence in the lives of many young boys. I am a better person because I knew him. Rest in peace my friend. Emil Page
Message from Dolly & Bob Lowry
June 15, 2015 9:59 PM
So very sorry for your loss. Our heartfelt condolences to the Kunkel Family. Bob & Dolly Lowry
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