Jeffrey Kunnen, born on November 9, 1955 passed away in his home on August 23, 2024 due to a chronic health condition.  He is survived by his brother, Greg Kunnen (Shelly); his stepfamily who he loved as his own children Leslie Berg (Joe), Marty Olsen (Olga), and Dave Olsen. He is also survived by his three adoring grandchildren who affectionately called him “Pappa Jeffy”, Carson, Gavin, and Lauren, sister-n-law, Sallie Knanishu and his nephew, Luke Knanishu.  He is preceded in death by his devoted wife, Carole, and parents, Patricia and Jim Kunnen.

Jeff was a long-term resident of Arlington Heights where he attended Prospect High School. He later attended University of Iowa.   Although he enjoyed his time at Iowa, he called this time there his “experiment” as his interests were more hands on with technical talents which he applied to his 30 plus year career at Jones Lang and LaSalle.  He served a wide capacity of property and engineering operations positions serving as the operations manager for several multifaceted building structures at the time of his retirement.

Jeff had a wonderful and snarky sense of humor and would regularly joke about his beloved, failing Chicago sports teams during regular family Sunday breakfasts.  Along with his love of sports, he was an avid reader, a World War 2 & Civil War buff and a trivia champion.  He also had a green thumb enjoying landscaping and loved to listen to southern rock music.     Jeff’s greatest joy was being with his family and enjoying life’s laid back and happy moments together.    He would never miss any milestone celebration, even when his health complications made it more challenging to be there.

 

His presence was a gift, and though he will be deeply missed, the memories with him will continue to be comfort and smiles to those he left behind.   We all “Love ya, loads” Pappa Jeffy

 

A celebration of life will for family and friends will be scheduled soon.  Please email Dave @ rugbygizmo@hotmail.com for more information.