William Kunkel was born at Fessenden, North Dakota in 1914. He moved to Carrington in 1925 and graduated from high school in 1932. He attended the University of North Dakota receiving his degree in 1936 and his law degree in 1938. After graduation he took over the practice of C.B. Craven in 1941. In 1945 he sold this practice to Darrell Topp, who sold to T. A. Roney, who later sold it to Fabian Noack.

Bill worked with the Foster County Selective Service in World War II in positions ranging from Clerk to the United States Government Appeal Agent. He served as Foster County Justice from 1961‑1966. Mr. Kunkel resumed private practice in 1961, taking over the late C.W. Burnham offices. He became an associate of Robert Heinley in 1966 where he maintains an office although he is now retired.

He married Marcella McGinn of Excanba, Michigan in 1939.

Source: A History of Foster County 1983 Page 218