Blake L. Hunnel

Blake L. Hunnel, 42, of Brainerd, Minnesota, formerly of Little Falls, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at his home in Brainerd.

Born on March 3, 1984, in Little Falls, Minnesota, to Stephan and Rebecca (Olesch) Hunnel, Blake grew up in the community where he attended school and graduated from Little Falls High School with the Class of 2002. He enlisted in the United States Army and served with the Minnesota National Guard, completing two tours in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. As a First Sergeant, he led his troop with distinction and was recognized with numerous awards for his leadership and expertise.

After his military service, Blake earned a degree in massage therapy from the Minnesota School of Business. At the time of his passing, he was employed at ATEK in Brainerd as a Global Product Sales Manager. He found joy in hunting, collecting baseball cards, and working on his beloved 1985 Chevrolet short box drag truck, which he maintained with great pride. Above all, Blake cherished his role as a father. He was deeply devoted to his children and took immense pride in each of them.

He is survived by his parents, Steve Hunnel and Becky Weiss; his children, Henry, Severin, Sierra, Stella, and Poppy; his sister, Cari (Dave) Woitalla; grandfathers, Lawrence (Marlene) Olesch and Arthur Hunnel; niece and nephew, Summer and Bo Woitalla; special uncle, Chad Olesch; aunt and godmother, Shelly Boser; and cousins, Zachary Olesch (godchild) and Matthew Olesch. Blake was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Elsie Hunnel and Lorraine Hiemenz.