Sandra L. "Sandy" Kunkle

Sandra L. “Sandy” Kunkle, a proud veteran of the United States Air Force and longtime resident of Bonita Springs, Florida, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2025. She was a woman of deep intellect, vibrant spirit, and unshakable faith. Born in 1943, Sandy was the third of four daughters born to Inez and Lester Holmquist. Her early life was marked by international adventure, as the family was stationed in Japan during her childhood and later in Würzburg, Germany during her teenage years due to her father's Army service. They eventually returned to the United States, and Sandy graduated from Hermantown High School in Minnesota. After high school, Sandy and her sister Elizabeth moved to Minneapolis, where Sandy began her studies at the University of Minnesota. In 1964, the sisters took a leap of faith and traveled to Europe, first working in Switzerland, then moving to Munich to work for Agfa. They spent several months traveling throughout Europe with Eurorail Passes before returning to the States in 1965. Sandy resumed her studies and graduated in 1967 with a major in German and a minor in French. Her love for languages and cultures led her back to Germany, where she studied at the University of Saarland and worked in Saarbrücken and Munich, including a position as an au pair for an American family. She later earned an apprenticeship as a computer programmer at Siemens, but homesickness brought her back to the U.S. In 1969, Sandy joined the United States Air Force and was commissioned as an officer in 1970. She trained in Denver as a Photo Intelligence Officer and served with distinction at various assignments, including Langley AFB (VA), Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base (Thailand), Wiesbaden (Germany), Beale AFB (CA) — where she supported the SR-71 Blackbird and U-2 programs — and Wright-Patterson AFB (OH). Her service also took her to Hong Kong, Australia, Okinawa, and Cyprus, experiences she deeply valued. One highlight of her time in Europe was skiing with the Wiesbaden American Ski (WASKI) group, where she made lasting memories on the slopes. While stationed in Germany, she also earned her MBA, a testament to her drive and determination. Sandy married Lt. Col. James H. Kunkle in October 1980. In 1983, after Jim’s retirement from the Air Force, Sandy took an assignment as Chief of Intelligence at Andersen AFB in Guam. She served there until 1985, embracing scuba diving and island life, before returning to Wright-Patterson AFB in the same role. She retired as a Major in May 1990 after more than two decades of faithful service. In retirement, Sandy remained active and devoted. She continued to travel, both internationally and across the United States, especially enjoying camping trips with Jim in their Scamp RV. One of her greatest joys was reuniting with her B-52 group for rendezvous gatherings, where she relished the camaraderie and friendship. Sandy stayed closely connected with her family and friends, always ready to travel, host, or simply call to keep in touch. She was a longtime member of Community Congregational Church in Naples and later attended C3 Church. Her enduring faith in God provided her with strength, comfort, and hope — especially in her later years. Sandy is survived by her stepchildren, James B. Kunkle and his wife, Josephine of Bonita Springs, FL, John G. Kunkle of Centralia, IL, and Patrick H. Kunkle and his wife, Ida of Jacksonville Beach, FL. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Walter Kientzle of Midlothian, TX; many cousins; and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James H. Kunkle, who died in 2007; her cherished parents; and her dearly loved sisters, Barbara (Warren) Jones, Carol (Paul) Aili, and Elizabeth Kientzle. Sandy will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, commitment to service, love of languages and cultures, and above all, her steadfast faith. The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until 2:00 PM on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home 28300 Tamiami Tr. S., Bonita Springs, FL. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM with Pastor Gene Simco of C3Naples Church, officiating. Burial with full military honors will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. She will be laid to rest beside her late husband, James. To sign her guest register or to leave online condolences, please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978. The family is hosting a celebration of Sandy’s life following services at Shikany Funeral Home Wednesday at Jim and Josie Kunkle’s house at 24543 Rocky Road, Bonita Springs, FL, 34135. They invite you to join them.

Sandra L. "Sandy" Kunkle

December 12, 1943 - May 31, 2025