Dr. Arnold William Kunkler, 95, Indianapolis
Dr. Arnold William Kunkler, age 95, passed away on December 25, 2016, in Indianapolis.
As a devout Catholic, his family is comforted in knowing he is home with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Arnold was born in St. Anthony, IN to Edward J. and Selma Kunkler. He was the oldest of seven children.
He graduated from Jasper High School in 1935, and from? Indiana University (IU – Bloomington) in 1942, with a B.A. in chemistry. He continued his education receiving his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from Indiana University in 1949, after serving with the Army European Theater of Operations during World War ll.
On May 22, 1954, he married Muriel Helen Burns, and together they raised six children.
In 1955, he located his surgical practice in Terre Haute with the guidance of his uncles, Drs. Joe and Will Kunkler, and pharmacist Paul Kunkler. He was an active staff member at St. Anthony / Terre Haute Regional Hospital and a courtesy staff member at Union Hospital from 1955-1995. He was certified by the American Board of Surgery in 1959.
His esteemed medical career encompassed the following: Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at the IU School of Medicine (1960); Director of Medical Education at St. Anthony / T.H. Regional Hospital (1968-89); President of the Indiana Chapter of the American College of Surgeons (1981-82); Chairman of the Board at T.H. Regional Hospital (1981-84); President of the Vigo County Board of Health (1989-97); Chief of Medical Staff and Chief of Surgery at St. Anthony / T.H. Regional Hospital; and recipient of “Outstanding Health Care Professional” by Terre Haute Regional Hospital Foundation (1994). In addition, he was awarded the “Sagamore of the Wabash” in 1994.
In 1976, Arnold became Clinical Professor of Surgery at the IU School of Medicine, and he continued his pursuit of medical excellence for an additional 25 years to further his clinical research and to educate medical students.
A second chapter in his life began in 2004, when he married Barbara (Hole) McElroy. Together they enjoyed an active travel life completing his journeys to all seven continents.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara, his sisters and brothers: Ann (Tom) Laughlin (IL); Edward Kunkler (CA); Kenneth (Julie) Kunkler (IN); Mary Elizabeth Kunkler Gross (IN); sister-in-law Rita Kunkler (IN); his children: Lisa (Bob) McClure (VA); Arnold Kunkler, Jr. (VA); Carolyn Kunkler; Christine (Tom) Hull (IN); Dr. Phillip (Karen) Kunkler (IN); Dr. Kevin (Tracey) Kunkler (MD); stepchildren: Daniel (Pam) McElroy (IN); Betsy McElroy (Bob) Cometa (MA); Meredith (Patty) Hole (IN); thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward J. and Selma Kunkler; wife, Muriel Burns Kunkler; and brothers, Urban Kunkler and Joseph Kunkler.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church in Indianapolis, IN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church. A visitation and burial service will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Terre Haute, IN. at 3:00 with service at 3:30pm p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the IU Foundation for the Arnold W. Kunkler Medical Student Scholarship Fund, the Wabash Valley Community Foundation, Saint Meinrad Seminary, or St. Mary-of-the-Woods College.
You are invited to visit www.leppertmortuary.com.
