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Donald Dunkle Obituary
Donald Frederick Dunkle, 78, of Archbold, formerly of Swanton, passed away Wednesday, June 9, 2021, peacefully sitting on the deck of his cottage in Michigan, his favorite place on Earth. Don was born in 1942 to the late Darrel and Jeanne Dunkle. In August 1964, he married Nancy Hemrick, his wife of 56 years, and she survives.
Don received his bachelor's degree from Ball State University. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966 and was based out of Indianapolis, Ind. He served in the financial department at Fort Benjamin Harrison, and was honorably discharged as a first lieutenant.
Many knew Don as the owner of Swanton and Archbold Super Valu Foods. He was a hardworking and generous man. He believed strongly in giving back and enriching the local communities. He was an avid boater, fisherman, Michigan fan, and pilot. Don was a 33rd Degree Mason, and a member of several Masonic organizations and the Lion's Club, former Trinity United Methodist Church trustee, and Swanton Rotary-Paul Harris Fellow, and Anne Grady Corporation Board of Directors. He took great joy in his time volunteering in Swanton schools reading programs and as Santa.
Don was also a volunteer for NW Ohio Honor Flight, a driver for the Fulton County Senior Center, and a driver for Shriners Hospital for Children.
He is also survived by his daughters, Kristin (Phil) Riley, TJ (Ryan) Burroughs, and Lindsay (Ben) Warner; grandchildren, Maura, Gwynne, Dane, and Noah; brothers, Chad (Bonnie) and Todd (Rebecca); sister-in-law, Diane Springer; brother-in-law, Stam Hemrick (Carolyn); and 11 nieces and nephews.
The family will have a celebration of life at a later date.
Donations may be made in Don's memory to the Shriners Hospital for Children.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Dunkle
6 Entries
Sharon Weaver McGuire
May 19, 2025
Just happened to see this, Nancy. So sorry to hear this. Have tried so many times to find you.
Sharon and Richard
February 12, 2024
Have searched for you for years, Nancy. I´m sorry this is the way I found you. So sorry for your loss. Sharon Weaver McGuire
Ocala, Florida
Dick & Sharron (Peachey) johnson Williamsburg VA
July 25, 2021
We are sorry to hear about the passing of our classmate and friend. Don and Dick were next-door neighbors while growing up. They met again at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, when both were in the Army . Again, our paths would cross when Don was in Swanton and we lived nearby in Fostoria,Ohio. We enjoyed talking to Don and staying in touch. Our condolences to the family.
Bill Pacak
June 29, 2021
Nancy, you certainly have my sympathy. I had a whole lot of respect for Don. If at all if I can do anything for you please call. If you want Masonic services please let me know.
Clyde Slutz, Neal and Kay (Slutz ) Frey
June 27, 2021
Our deepest sympathy to you Nancy and your family. We were sadden with the news of your loss. May your cherished memories give you comfort.
Gregg and Lonnie Corbin
June 26, 2021
Dear Dunkle Family,
We extend our heartfelt condolences to each of you on the loss of Don. In the process of seeking contact with Rachel Smith to rent your (back row) cottage which we have rented a couple of time prior, I had a great conversation with Don for 20-30 minutes in May on the telephone. I looked forward to meeting him face-to-face this summer, as it struck me that we had a lot in common and shared a lot of history regarding our years at Burt Lake.
We are so sorry for your loss.
Gregg and Lonnie Corbin
Kalamazoo, MI
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