Obituary of William Bunkelman

William George Bunkelman was born November 28, 1920 in Monroe, Michigan. He was one of two children born from the union of his parents: the late Henry Bunkelman and Theresa (Albrecht) Bunkelman. He attended Trinity Lutheran School and Monroe High School and graduated in 1939. He was an aspiring baseball player until he was drafted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country. While aboard the US Dorchester, it was torpedoed by a German U-boat on February 3, 1943 in which he was the last survivor. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

Bill married the love of his life, Marian Merkle on January 30, 1945. Together the couple would share in the birth of five children. To support his family, he worked for many years at Consolidated Paper Company. He received his spiritual nourishment by attending church at Trinity Lutheran Church in Monroe.

Bill enjoyed watching sports and never lost his love for playing baseball and was also an avid golfer. Above anything, he enjoyed time spent with his family. His kind nature and infectious smile are just a few things that will be deeply missed by his family. To know Bill was to love him, and there will forever be a void in the hearts of those who knew him.

Bill Bunkelman, age 98, of Monroe, passed away on Tuesday, January 1, 2019 at Wellspring Lutheran Home. His passing is preceded by his wife of 70 years, Marian Bunkelman; his son, Bill (Mary Ann) Bunkelman; his brother: Jack (Renea) Bunkelman and his parents.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his children: Dianna (Deb) (Gary) Tomkinson, Barry (Elaine) Bunkelman, Julie Bunkelman and Denise (Martin) Dame; his grandchildren: Matthew, Craig, Traci, Adam, Ryan, Drake, Annie and Ava; his great grandchildren: Carly, Abigail, Alexandra, Evan, Abigail, Andrew, Nathan, Sofia, Jude, Vivie and Elowyn.

Friends may gather on Monday, January 7, 2019 from 1:00pm until a Celebration of His Life at 4:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe, 2442 North Monroe Street (734)384-5185 to be officiated by Pastor Jeffrey Heimsoth from Trinity Lutheran Church. Memorial Donations are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church or the Monroe Humane Society.

Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration or share a photo by visiting our website at www.merklefs.com.