Fredrick (Fred) Jan Gunckel

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Fredrick (Fred) Jan Gunckel (age 89), beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law, and friend. Fred was born in Union City, Indiana, and was eight years of age when his family relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Fred is survived by Dora Montoya Gunckel, his wife of 43 years; son, Bruce Gunckel and wife, Jayne; son, Glenn Michaels and wife, Dionne; and daughter, Arlene Byler and husband, Brian; his beloved grandchildren: Amy Gunckel; Cole Michaels and wife, Elise; Cameron Michaels and wife, Ashley; Ashtyn Michaels; Aubrey Torres and husband, Sam; and Trey Byler. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Carole Gunckel, life-long friend, Don Schubert; Lillian Pritchard, the mother of his children; and his Montoya in-laws. Also surviving Fred are many nieces and nephews who love and respect him very much. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Opal Gunckel; brother, Joe Gunckel; and sister, Carol Breece.

He began his employment history in Albuquerque as a salesman at Montgomery Ward, followed by Order Typist at Rio Grande Steel, ACF Industries, and retired from Sandia National Laboratories in 1993 after 26 years. Fred was an accomplished machinist who made custom one-of-a-kind items for special projects at Sandia. Fred was a member of Risen Savior Catholic Church and received special recognition for many years of faithful service and dedication. He participated in many parish ministries and as a member of the Church Cleaning Ministry he could be found at Risen Savior every Thursday assuring that the Church was clean, organized and welcoming, helping to create a holy space for prayer and worship for his Parish Family. Fred enjoyed watching movies and had four he would watch over and over again: Giant, Dr. Zhivago, East of Eden, and the Grinch Who Stole Christmas. He had a special affinity for his Dallas Cowboys and loved watching Los Angeles Dodgers MLB baseball games. He enjoyed league bowling, golfing, reading a good book and having a beer on the beach in Cancun.

Services will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Risen Savior Catholic Church, 7701 Wyoming NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Rosary: 10:30 a.m.

Mass: 11:00 a.m.

Reception: Immediately Following Mass in the Risen Savior Youth Building (North of the Church)

Interment will take place on Saturday, June 27, 2026, 10:00 a.m., at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Amigos y Amigas, Inc., 1020 Edith Boulevard SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102, https://amigosyamigas.org/donate.