Born in Buffalo, New York, Kunzel was a private in the United States Army during World War I, from 1917 to 1919.
He was in private practice in San Diego, California from 1928 to 1959, and returned to military service as a Commander in the United States Naval Reserve in World War II, from 1942 to 1945.
[1] On February 16, 1959, Kunzel was nominated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to a seat on the United States District Court for the Southern District of California vacated by Judge Jacob Weinberger.
Kunzel was confirmed by the United States Senate on September 9, 1959, and received his commission the following day.
He served as Chief Judge from 1967 until his death on November 19, 1969.