William Dunkel

William “Bill” Dunkel, 87, of New Buffalo, passed away at St. Anthony Hospital in Michigan City, IN on Monday, February 15, 2016. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sommerfeld Chapel, 15 N. Barton St., New Buffalo, MI.   Bill was born on Sept. 21, 1928 in Mt. Carmel, IL to the late Emmett and Lorene (Ankenbrand) Dunkel. Bill served his country in the U.S. Army serving in Korea, and being discharged as Staff Sergeant. He also served in the Illinois National Guard for 5 years. On November 22, 1951 in Enfield, IL he married Helen Basinger. They moved to New Buffalo from Mt. Carmel, IL in 1958. Bill worked as a heavy equipment operator, foreman and vice president with the Oselka Construction Co., retiring in 1998 after 40 years of service. He then worked at Whittaker Woods Golf Course as a groundskeeper for several years.  Bill was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.   Bill is survived by his wife Helen; seven children – Ron (Elaine) Dunkel of Schererville, IN, Becky (Mel) Borglin, Nancy (Randy) Mast, Jim (Betsy) Dunkel of Bakersfield, CA, Donna (Brian) Allen, Judy (Chris Huston) McCance, and John (Emily) Dunkel of Prescott, AZ; 23 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; brothers – Laurence and Jerry Dunkel; and a sister – Alma Wood. He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters – Catherine Basinger and Mary McGregor, son-in-law – Blaine McCance, and a great grandson –  William Allen.   A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Sat., Feb. 20, 11:00am, at St. Mary of the Lake Church, New Buffalo, with Father Dan Hyman officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in New Buffalo. Visitation will be at Sommerfeld Chapel on Friday, Feb. 19, from 4:00-8:00pm; a Rosary will be recited at 7:30pm.  Friend wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com