Grace Mader Dunkel's Obituary
Big Rapids - Grace M. Dunkel, 97, of Big Rapids, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at Altercare of Big Rapids.
She was born February 21, 1923 in Big Rapids, the daughter of Otto and Elizabeth (Riskey) Martz, and lived in the area her entire life.
Grace was a lifetime member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church. She was a fantastic homemaker all her life, taking great care of her family always. Grace enjoyed baking, crocheting, playing cards, and loved to play bingo. Her pineapple cookies were always a hit with the grandchildren who would go straight to the kitchen looking for them when they would visit.
On April 25, 1941 she married Russell C. Dunkel, who preceded her in death in 2011. Grace is survived by her daughters, Sherry (Robert) Hickman of Nevada, and Sandra (Thomas) Wise of Lansing; brother Robert (Murlin) Martz; brother-in-law Allen Hales; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Grace was also preceded in death by her parents, a great-grandson, brothers John and Harold Martz, and sisters, Fern Hendrickson and Esther Hales.
A Graveside service at Highland View Cemetery in Big Rapids will be held in the spring, where Grace will be laid to rest next to Russ. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice or St. Peter's Lutheran School. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.
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