Ralph Herbert Kuhnel

Ralph Herbert Kuhnel, of Apex and formerly of Ocean Isle Beach, died on May 24, 2024 in hospice care.

Ralph was born in The Bronx, New York City, New York on February 17, 1929. The son of the late Herbert Kurt Kuhnel and Katherine Voll Kuhnel. He was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Rosemary M. Kuhnel.

Ralph was a Korean War veteran, having served as a Storekeeper aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Philippine Sea. After serving in the Navy, he graduated from Albany Business College. He worked for IBM in Kingston, New York and RTP in North Carolina as an Accountant and Systems Analyst until his retirement in 1987. He served in several capacities at St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church and an AARP sponsored Tax-Aide Volunteer in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.

Surviving is his wife of almost 70 years, Joan Crosby Kuhnel of the home; daughters, Kathleen Kuhnel Lewis (Richard) and Joanmarie Kuhnel, sons, Kevin J. Kuhnel (Kathy Robinson) and Michael R. Kuhnel (Stephanie); brother, Fred G. Kuhnel; ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will have a private memorial service and will receive friends 12 – 1 pm Friday, May 31, 2024 at Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church, P.O. Box 2984, Shallotte, NC 28459.

Arrangements by Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-7400)

www.cswfuneralhome.com