Michael “Mike” Dunkel

Michael Wayne “Mike” Dunkel, 75, of Florence, KY, passed away on May 6, 2024, in Florence, KY.

Mike was born on August 10, 1948, in Peoria, IL, to the late Juna Rae (McCarty) Dunkel and W Wayne Dunkel. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Colleen (Cullerton) Dunkel, his daughters Carolyn (Lee Howard) and Kimberly (David Scott), and his grandson Owen.

Mike has three younger sisters who all live in the Indianapolis area: Gayle Lynn (Dr. Bob Brandt), Kim (John Seyfried), Lisa (Kris Feldhake), along with several nieces and nephews.

He managed to extend his family by opening his home to friends and family who needed kind hearts and shelter. The family also hosted an exchange student from the Netherlands for the entire school year who became their third daughter. One of Mike’s biggest joys was having Carolyn, Kimberly, Lorrie and Evelyn and other guests at the dinner table. Conversation was varied, challenging and always fun. Laughter was served with a big spoon and lots of love.

Mike not only “adopted” people, but he also took in 3 orphaned cats. These weren’t short stays, two occupied the house for 17 years and the third (the most battered when she arrived) lived in Mike’s house for over 13 years. There was an extended period when all 3 animals were living in Mike’s house at the same time.

A dedicated professional, Mike Dunkel had a successful career spanning over 30 years in the US Customs Service. He served in various locations as an inspector, including O’Hare in Chicago, IL, El Paso, TX, and Green Bay, WI, before retiring as Port Director of Customs in Green Bay, WI.

In his free time, he indulged in his hobbies of history and reading, with a particular passion for Winston Churchill, WW2, and Medieval England. Mike’s favorite author is Victor Davis Hansen and he quoted him often. His personal heroes were The Lone Ranger and Ronald Reagan.

Mike was a lifetime Cubs and Packer fan and learning to love FC Liverpool. Friends and family shared his love of IndyCar and he could be found with them in front of his TV watching the races most weekends during the season.

There was always music in his household. His interests ranged from The Lovin’ Spoonful to Neil Diamond, to the Beatles, to Willie Nelson, to Ernie the Muppet singing “Rubber Ducky.” Family night included an episode of the “Muppets Show” and each Christmas season opened with “The Muppet Christmas Carol.” Which was seen so frequently, family members recited the script with the characters.

Mike had a generous heart. He supported several charities regularly.  His family asks that In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Samaritan’s Purse in memory of Mike Dunkel by clicking on the following link DONATE.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, from 9:00 AM until the time of funeral service at 11:00 AM at Linnemann Family Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 30 Commonwealth Ave., Erlanger, KY 41018.  To continue the celebration of Mike’s life, there will be food and fellowship immediately following the service at St. Henry Catholic Church in Wehage Hall, 3813 Dixie Highway, Elsmere, KY 41018.

Rev Shamus Staubach of Lakeside Christian Church will preside.

Mike Dunkel will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

To view Mike’s memorial tribute video, please visit: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/GSHKWKHD24BT8WWJ