Kurt Kounkel

Kurt Kounkel, age 62, of Brainerd, MN passed away on April 17, 2022 at his home. A memorial service for Kurt will be held on Friday April 22, 2022 at the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Baxter. There will be a visitation from 10:00am – 11:00am, with the memorial service beginning at 11:00am. There will be a lunch and fellowship following the service.

Kurt was a man of faith and family, and that was clear in the way he conducted himself. He would tell you that his life was worth living only if his family was happy; and they always were, without fault. He was a talented man and his talents showed through in his craftsmanship. He took pride in his work whether it was building a car, or mowing the lawn. Everything he did, he did to perfection. His talents were multifaceted. Nobody could tell the same jokes over and over and still warrant laughter quite like him. Certainly, nobody could compare in the catastrophic mis-buttoning of shirts like him. But most of all, he made everyone around him happy. He conducted himself with a quietness that reassured those around him of his genuine care and understanding of whatever they may be going through. His selflessness is easy to spot in a room full of people who knew him, as they most likely all have a story involving him in some capacity and how he helped them with little regard for himself.

The one thing Kurt was never entirely aware of was how loved he was, and how loved he continues to be. He was somebody you couldn’t help but love. Kurt was an autobody tech by trade and was employed at Shannon’s Auto Body in Brainerd.

He is survived by his Wife Colleen, son Jacob (Brainerd), daughters Hunter Frink (Matt) of Brainerd and Hannah still at home, Brother Robert Kounkel (Mobile, Alabama), and sisters Marilyn Anderson (St. Cloud) and Brenda Hendrickson (Washington) 4 grandchildren, 18 nieces and nephews, Brothers in-law, Sean O’Neil (Brainerd), Shannon (Elizabeth) O’Neil (Burnsville), Sisters in-law, Peggy (Scott) O’Neil (Brooklyn Center), and Cindy (Dwight) Nelson (Coon Rapids), and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Kathy Daniels, and brother in-law Erin O’Neil, who was also his recovery sponsor.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.