Jeanne Gunkel

Jeanne Gunkel passed away on March 17, 2025, at the age of 76 at Mason Healthcare in Warsaw, IN. Born on March 27, 1948, in Fort Wayne to Daniel and Dorothy Hensinger, she grew up cherishing time spent with her family in the North Webster community, especially on the Barbee Chain during the summer months growing up. Jeanne lived a life filled with love, dedication, and a deep appreciation for nature and family. It was at the lake where she met her husband, Harold Gunkel, and the two were married on January 6, 1968. Together, they built a lifetime of cherished memories over 57 wonderful years.

Most of Jeanne's career was devoted to the gardening industry, where she found joy in working with her hands. She dedicated 17 years to Clayton's Garden Center, a role that allowed her to express her passion for flowers and the beauty of the outdoors. Jeanne was often seen outside, tending to her garden, and would take great pleasure in floating on Big Barbee Lake, enjoying the simple joys of lake life. Christmas time was her favorite time of year; Jeanne spent endless weeks setting up her Christmas tree and village, delighting in sharing the holiday’s festive cheer with friends and family.

Jeanne was also known as a wonderful baker and cook, her family remembers her blueberry dessert, carrot cake, coleslaw, and potato salad as some of their favorite foods she would often make. Her kitchen was a place of warmth and comfort, where many cherished memories were made over shared meals, card games, and laughter.

A proud graduate of Central Catholic High School in Fort Wayne, IN, class of 1966, Jeanne was known for her hard-working spirit and her strong-willed personality. She was stern but loving, always prioritizing her family above all else. Her dedication to them was unwavering, and she instilled values of hard work and resilience in her four boys and grandchildren.

Jeanne is survived by her loving husband, Harold Gunkel, of Barbee Lake, and her children: Kenny (Tabitha) Gunkel, of North Webster, Kevin (Patti) Gunkel, of North Webster, Kurt (Mari) Gunkel, of Warsaw and Keith (Sarie) Gunkel, of North Webster. She treasured her grandchildren, Devin, Danielle, Kymberley, Kyle, Kasey, and Chloe, and took great joy in being a grandmother to her great-grandchildren, Avery, Westlyn, Stetson, L.J., Brexlie, and Sawyer.

She is also survived by her siblings, Carol (Randy) Arnold, Peggy Early, Linda (Harley) Herron, Steve (Phyllis) Hensinger, and Tom (Sheryl) Hensinger. Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents and several siblings, including Mary Gunkel, Janet Hause, Ron Hensinger, Kathy Wallace, and Kenneth Hensinger.

Titus Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8056 E. 500 N. North Webster, IN 46555, is caring for the family. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and from 6:00pm until her rosary at 7:30pm. Her funeral will be held the following day at 11:00am at the funeral home with a visitation an hour prior. Father Jonathan Norton of Sacred Heart Catholic Church is officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Mock Cemetery Addition in North Webster.

Donations in Jeanne's honor may be made to the K21 Cancer Care Fund, 1101 Park Avenue, Winona Lake, IN 46590.