| Graduation Year | Class of 1977 |
| Date of Passing | May 18, 2014 |
| About | Charles William “Charlie” Dunkle, 55, of Topeka, passed away Sunday, May 18, 2014 at Midland Hospice House, Topeka. He was born January 11, 1959 in Leavenworth, Kansas, the son of Charles Millard Dunkle, deceased April 1961 and Alice “Jean” (Giese) Townsend. He attended schools in Leavenworth and Topeka, finishing courses at the Kaw Area Vocational Technical School in small engine as well as Electric, Heating & Air Conditioning. He worked for Topeka Harley Davidson; managed the Townsend Retail Liquor Store following the death of his step-father, Lawrence Townsend; Mike’s Cordova Motors and lately renovation work. Charles sought to repair what needed to be fixed, improving and putting back together with an intense desire to do it right the first time. Survivors include his mother, Alice Townsend, Topeka; two brothers, Kerry N. Dunkle, Christopher “Chris” Grape, Belton, MO; two sisters, Norma Jean Duckworth and Charlene Munsell, both of Mountain View, CA; an uncle, Phillip Dunkle, Florida; two aunts, Carol Lewis and Frances Collins; a nephew, Corey Grape; several cousins; two great-aunts, Arlene Jones (93) and Lillian (108), both have been very supportive throughout his illness. Charles daughter, Christal Lynn Dunkle, early 1990’s kept from him, taken out of state; whereabouts unknown. He was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Millard Fillmore Dunkle and Alma Cary Neal; maternal grandparents, Francis J. Giese and Genevieve Pfrimmer; his sister, Judith Ann Shaqira in 2004. Charles quit smoking January 1, 2014 with the help of his treatment team and we are appreciative of those who were so helpful throughout his illness and care. Due to change made in the Affordable Care Act by President Obama, it was possible to retain his private health care coverage this year. A graveside service will be 2 p.m., Friday, May 23, 2014 at Sunset Memory Gardens, Leavenworth, KS. Charlie will lie in state from 3-9 p.m., Thursday at the Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka. Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st St., Topeka, KS 66604 or to Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606. |
