Businessman Tim Kunkel dies at 45 [Telegraph-Herald (Dubuque, IA)]

As a business leader, Tim Kunkel held a philosophy to work and respect one another and to have a lot of fun along the way. When it came to family - well, family simply came first.

"Tim Kunkel was the most kind-hearted, generous and hardworking man I've ever met," said Heather Freiburger, a Kunkel & Associates, Inc. employee. "I have yet to meet an individual who has impacted more people than Tim. He was my mentor, role model and, most of all, my friend."

Kunkel, 45, a beloved Dubuque businessman who served as president and CEO of Kunkel & Associates, died unexpectedly Monday morning. The specific cause of death of Kunkel has not been released.

Kunkel & Associates, Inc. is an insurance brokerage company founded in Mineral Point, Wis., in 2003. The operations expanded, and corporate headquarters moved to Dubuque after construction of a state-of-the-art facility in 2007.

The business employs more than 40 people and has clients in more than 40 states.

Employees and area business leaders expressed shock and sadness over the passing of Kunkel, a man described as modest and down-to- earth.

"Although I can't find the correct words to describe the sadness of losing my best friend, with confidence I can say he has made a significant impact in my life," said Brent Drapeau, company vice president.

In a TH article published March 24, Kunkel, a Wahlert High School graduate who attended Loras College, stated it was a dream to open a business just as his father did. His perspective on work changed after attending a seminar where the speaker told the audience to picture themselves as if they were 80 years old.

"He told us to look at our 80 years of life and ask what your 80- year-old self would tell you," Kunkel told the TH. "For me it was,'Hey, your dream was to start your own business and you never did.'So, I started exploring that possibility and decided I didn't want to be 80 and regret not trying, so I did it."

Kunkel put substantial risk into growing his company, telling the TH that he went 14 months without a paycheck while he tried to convince clients and insurance companies to buy into his dream.

Tom Barton, president of Barton Wealth Management in Dubuque, called Kunkel a family-man first and foremost, but aggressive, confident, smart and ethical on the business side.

"He didn't cut corners," Barton said. "He knew you could succeed in business by doing it the right way, through strong values and hard work. Tim once told me that his Catholic faith impacted business decisions he made."

Employee Ann Butzier called Kunkel a leader and visionary in a TH special section that named Kunkel & Associates as a "Winning Workplace" in January. Many more employees joined in her sentiment, remembering Kunkel as a true friend. Those tributes appear in full at THonline.com.

Area business leaders agreed.

"Today is a very sad day for a lot of people around the community, and I know our hearts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones," said Greg McCoy, president and CEO of McCoy Group Inc. "Tim will be greatly missed and never forgotten."

Kunkel is survived by his wife, Kim, and four children.

Arrangements are pending at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road.