Kenneth John Dunkelberger

Kenneth John Dunkelberger Sr., 75 years of age, passed away peacefully surrounded by his children on Friday, May 9, 2025 as a guest of Schuylkill Center in Pottsville, PA. Born on June 16, 1949, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late William and Violet (Llewellyn) Dunkelberger.

Ken was a lifelong resident of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania. He was proud to have grown up in the South Ward.

After graduating from Tamaqua Area High School in 1967, Ken was inducted into the United States Army, where he honorably served in Germany with the 33rd Armored Regiment. He reminisced often about his days in the Army and took great pride in his service to his country, demonstrating unwavering patriotism throughout his life. He was employed by Hart Metals in Tamaqua for over 40 years before retiring. Ken was a huge sports enthusiast since childhood and enjoyed watching his beloved New York Yankees, as well as any football game that he could catch on television. When his children were in high school, he never missed a Tamaqua Cross Country or Track and Field meet. His dry sense of humor and Schuylkill County Coal Region dialect will be remembered by those who loved and knew him.

Surviving are his children Linda-Sue and her husband Roy Krell of Clemmons, NC, Kenneth Dunkelberger Jr. and his wife Amanda of New Ringgold, PA, Edward Dunkelberger and his wife Brynn of Nazareth, PA, Kyle Dunkelberger and his wife Joann of West Penn, PA, and R. Isaac Dunkelberger and his wife Caroline, of Cary, NC.

His grandchildren who lovingly called him Fah-Ter: Henry, Grace, and Abe Krell, Weston Dunkelberger, Ryan and Kayden Dunkelberger, Nolan and Leo Dunkelberger and a grandson arriving in September.

His younger brother David Dunkelberger.

Also surviving Ken is his former wife and mother of his children Wendy Parfitt Dunkelberger of Tamaqua.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, William “Billy” Dunkelberger.

Ken will be missed greatly by his family. We love you Dad.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations in Ken’s name may be made to the Tamaqua Public Library at 30 S. Railroad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252,

Arrangements are entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550. Online condolences or a fond memory of Ken can be expressed by visiting www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com.