Thomas W. Kunkel, 56

Former Sandpoint, Idaho, resident Thomas W. Kunkel, died Saturday, Nov. 4, 2006, at Central Peninsula General Hospital in Soldotna, Alaska, after a short battle with cancer. He was 56.There will be a graveside remembrance held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 26, at Gamlin Lake (also known as Broten and Newman) Cemetery in Sagle, Idaho, for any who would like to attend.A viewing was held from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2006, at Peninsula Memorial Chapel, mile 6 of the Kenai Spur Highway in Kenai, Alaska. Mr. Kunkel will be cremated following the viewing. A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, 2006, at the Nikiski Church of the Nazarene, mile 18 of the Kenai Spur Highway. Pastor Henry Haney will officiate.Mr. Kunkel was born Jan. 3, 1950, in Somerville, N.J. He graduated from high school in Sandpoint. He moved to Alaska in October 1988 and lived in Nikiski. He worked for BJ Services and Central Peninsula Counseling Services. He was a member of the New Hope Christian Fellowship.He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and beach combing for agates."It would be difficult to describe, in full, all of the admirable qualities about Tom. He enjoyed spending time with his family, and he was especially proud of his grandsons. He was their 'Papa Tom,'" his family said."He was honored to serve as an elder for his church family at New Hope Christian Fellowship. "One of his greatest pleasures was ministering to people in the community and at his workplace. "Many people regarded him as a positive role model and were blessed by his friendship. He will be greatly missed."Mr. Kunkel was preceded in death by his parents, George J. and Lucille F. Kunkel; and grandparents, George and Lucille Nay.He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Joyce Kunkel of Nikiski; daughters and sons-in-law, Amber and Chris Uhls of Nikiski and Alicia and John Kassik of Whidbey Island, Wash.; son and daughter-in-law, Adam and Kerry Kunkel of Nikiski; grandsons, Justice and Jaylen Uhls of Nikiski; brother, George Kunkel of Spokane, Wash.; nieces, Melissa Nusunginya of Kenai and Angela Humphrey of Soldotna; many other nieces and nephews; and his extended family, including the McGovern, Nay and Parham families. An account is open at Alaska USA Federal Caredit Union to help aid the Kunkel family.Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.