Helen Margaret Dunkel

Helen Margaret Dunkel, 83 of New Buffalo, MI passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, September 26, 2017. Arrangements have been entrusted to Summerfield Chapel 15 N. Barton Street, New Buffalo, MI. Helen was born on October 25, 1933 in Enfield, IL to the late William and Nora (Biggerstaff) Basinger. She married Bill Dunkel on November 22, 1951.  He preceded her in death on February 15, 2016.    As a devout Catholic Helen was a member of St. Mary of the Lake parish for sixty years, and a member of the Alter and Rosary Society.  Her passion in life was feeding her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren both physically and spiritually.  She was a warm, loving, selfless caretaker and nurturer. Helen is survived by seven children – Ron (Elaine) Dunkel, of Schererville, IN, Becky (Mel) Borglin, New Buffalo, Nancy (Randy) Mast, New Buffalo, Jim (Betsy) Dunkel of Bakersfield, CA, Donna (Brian) Allen, Three Oaks, Judy McCance, New Buffalo, and John (Emily) Dunkel of Prescott, AZ; 23 grandchildren; Amber, April, Kyra, Jennifer, Autumn, Jeff, John, Ray, Dustin, Sabrina, Karla, Aaron, Eric, Kristen, Kyle, Darin, Ryan, James, Jamie, Maggie, Michael, Mathew, and Mark,  22 great-grandchildren; five sisters, Betty Rubenacker, Union Pier, Lou (Lee) Brent, Katherine (Gene) Trapp, Clara (Gene) Voyles, Eddie (Jim) Ward, and two brothers, John (Shirley) Basinger and Charles (Betty) Basinger of New Buffalo.  Proceeded in death by her parents, two brothers Bob Basinger and Joe Basinger, son-in-law Blaine McCance, great-grandson William Micheal Allen. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 29, 2017 at 11:00 AM, at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, 718 W. Buffalo St., New Buffalo, with Father John Peter officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in New Buffalo.  Friends may visit with the family on September 28, 2017, at Sommerfeld Chapel, 15 N. Barton St., New Buffalo, from 4:00pm until 8:00 pm, a Rosary will be recited at 7:30 pm.  In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary of the Lake Church, New Buffalo, MI.  Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.sommerfeldchaapel.com.