Michael E. Kunkle

DOVER—Michael Edward Kunkle, 79, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. He was the loving husband of Diana J. (Herrmann) Kunkle. They would have celebrated 51 years of marriage on November 4th. Born August 7, 1944 in York, he was the son of the late Charles Ellsworth Kunkle and Effie G. (Kilburn) Kunkle.

Michael graduated from Red Lion High School, served a tool and die apprenticeship and later attended Penn State University, earning an Engineering Degree.

He was employed with several local prominent manufacturing companies before becoming Harley Davidson Motor Company’s Senior Manufacturing Engineer for 15 years, retiring in 2010. Following his retirement, he was founder and president of MEK Consulting, specializing in industrial robot safety and risk assessment. His contributions, knowledge and mentorship to the Robotics and Automation Industry will be profoundly missed.

Michael’s pride and joy was his family. He enjoyed international traveling with his wife, taking family trips to the beach, playing tennis, finding new recipes, cooking elaborate meals, designing and constructing projects in his basement, and never missing an opportunity to cheer on his grandchildren at their activities. He will be missed beyond measure by the loved ones he always made as a priority in his life each and every day.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Kunkle is also survived by two daughters, Jennifer R. (Kunkle) Harlacher and her husband, Eric of Dover and Erica L. Kunkle of York; two grandchildren, Alaina DiLynn and Peyton Edward Harlacher and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his beloved Golden Retriever, Bella. He was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth Kunkle, sister, Hilda (Kunkle) Arnold, and loving in-laws, John & Virginia Herrmann.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at 11:00AM at St. John Lutheran Church, 2580 Mt. Rose Ave., York. Officiating the service will be the Rev. Tab E. Cosgrove. A time of visitation will be held at the church beginning at 10:00AM until the beginning of the service. Burial will follow in Shiloh Union Cemetery. Following the burial, family and friends are invited to celebrate Michael’s life at The Out Door Country Club, 1157 Detwiler Drive, York. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Rd, York is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his name to the American Heart Association, 4250 Crums Mill Road, Harrisburg PA 17112 (Heart.org) or the York County SPCA, 3159 Susquehanna Trail York, Pennsylvania 17406 (https://ycspca.org)

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