Obituary of Marian Bunkelman

Marian Betty Bunkelman June 14, 1925 - April 28, 2015 Marian Betty Merkle was born in Monroe on June 14, 1925. She was the oldest of twin girls born from the union of the late Otto M. Merkle and the late Cornelia (Loefler) Merkle. Marian was baptized, confirmed, and educated at Trinity Lutheran Church and School. She attended Monroe High School graduating with the class of 1943. On January 30, 1945 she married the love of her life William Bunkelman in Monroe. Together the couple would share in the birth of five children. Marian was a loving and supportive wife and mother. She also worked outside the home for twenty-five years at the Monroe County Health Department. She served as an X-Ray Technician until her retirement in 1987. Marian was active with worship at Trinity for many years and also served with the Ladies Aide. She a member of the Thrift Shop of Monroe and was also a member of Mercy Memorial Hospital Guild. Marian was always on the go. She enjoyed the outdoors and her favorite pastimes included bike riding, golfing, and playing tennis. Marian was an avid gardener and had a love for reading. She and Bill truly enjoyed their retirement years together sharing in outdoor activities and also doing a great deal of traveling. Marian Betty Bunkelman, age 89, of Monroe passed away at 11:26pm on Monday, April 28, 2015 at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital with her family by her side. In addition to her parents: her passing was preceded by her stepmother who raised her: Bertha (Kramer) Merkle; son: William "Bill" Bunkelman in 1980; and her twin sister: Maxine Brundage. To cherish Marian's memory she leaves a loving husband of seventy years: William of Monroe; three daughters: Dianna "Debbie" (Gary) Tomkinson of Monroe, Julie Bunkelman of Cleveland, Ohio, and Denise (Marty) Dame of Grosse Ile; one son: Barry Lee (Elaine) Bunkelman of Monroe; eight loving grandchildren: Craig Sauer, Matthew Bunkelman, Adam Bunkelman, Ryan (Laurie) Tomkinson, Traci Bunkelman, Drake (Sara) Bunkelman, Annie and Ava Dame; and ten great grandchildren. Friends may gather from 1:00pm until 3:00pm on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Her Life will follow at 3:00pm also at Merkle's with Pastor Jeffery Heimsoth officiating. Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church or the charity of donor's choice. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.