James Dunkel

James was born on Feb. 5, 1953, to the late Gustave and Lorraine (Nichols) Dunkel. He graduated from Florence High School in 1971 and went on to earn a degree in psychology and sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in 1976.

In 1979, James returned to Florence and began his lifelong career as a social worker with Florence County Human Services Department. He faithfully served his community in that role for 36 years before retiring in 2015.

On Oct. 20, 1979, he married the love of his life, Marilyn Bunnell. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service, raising two beloved daughters, Candi and Erica.

James was a devoted member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Florence, where he served as church president for more than 40 years and as Sunday School superintendent for 15 years. His servant’s heart extended into the community as well, where he served as a volunteer firefighter for 15 years and contributed to numerous county and community boards.

James was an avid Green Bay Packers fan who loved fishing, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. He will be remembered for his steadfast faith, quiet strength, generous spirit, and deep love for those around him. He also cherished the loyal companionship of his faithful dog, Gus, who was rarely far from his side.

James is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn; daughters Candi (Matt) Schmidt of Fox Crossing and Erica (Michael) Hennig of Hobart; and seven cherished grandchildren, Madeline, Carter and Claire Schmidt and Aubrey, Addisyn, Ethan and Lincoln Hennig.

James is also survived by his sisters, Jan (Tom, his “second-best fishing buddy”) Jonet and Diane (John) Zenz; brothers-and sisters-in-law Mark (Angie) Bunnell, Jere (Roe) Bunnell, Chris Bunnell, LaVon (Fred) Deshler, Joan (Rick) Gerbers and Carol Kriescher; along with many beloved extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gustave and Lorraine; nieces Angela Krolikowski and Melissa Bunnell; his in-laws, James and Shirley (Zuleger) Bunnell; and brother-in-law Lavern Bunnell.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 25, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Florence, Wis. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m., with Pastor Jason Liebenow presiding.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Nurse Jim at Marshfield Dickinson Memorial Cancer Center and Rabihah at Unity Hospice, De Pere, Wis., for their compassionate and personal care. Your kindness, comfort, and support during James’s journey were a true blessing to him and to our family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to the Florence County Library Fund, a tribute to James’s love for reading, community, and service.

Condolences to the family of James R. Dunkel may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net.

The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home of Crystal Falls with the arrangements.