George W. Kunkel ’56

George died July 31, 2018, at home in Harrisburg, Pa., on the farm where his father, Lewis Kunkel 1924, taught George and his brother Lew ’58 to hunt and fly-fish. He was 82.

At Princeton George majored in biology, wrestled, and lettered in crew. He joined Elm Club and roomed with Dave Phillips, Dean Holbrook, and Tom Yarington. After earning a medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania, George served a residency in internal medicine at the University of Michigan and then spent two years in the U.S. Public Health Service, working as a surgeon on Native American reservations in Montana.

George returned to his hometown to found his rheumatology practice. He was renowned for his work ethic, his erudition, and his profound dislike of paperwork. In 2012, after more than 40 years as a sole practitioner, George took on a partner and entered semi-retirement — working “only” six days a week.

George loved practicing medicine, and he pursued his hobbies with equal passion. His immense garden featured 100 yards of spring onions, for personal use. His rosebushes — grown in outdoor beds, greenhouse pots, and hydroponic systems — were his pride and joy. He spent many Sunday afternoons fishing for bass in his pond. To ensure success, George liked to cast near the automatic fish feeder.

George is survived by his wife, Dr. Barbara Kunkel; daughter Shelly; and son-in-law Eric Bucher.