Dean Andrew Dunkel was born to George and Norma Gumb Dunkel on November 28th, 1948, in Atkinson, Ne. Dean lived on a ranch near Crookston, Ne with his parents and two older sisters. He attended country school there until the 8th grade. At that time, the family sold their ranch and moved to Valentine. Dean then attended Valentine High School and graduated from there in 1967. Shortly after graduation Dean was drafted into the Army. He spent the next two years in Germany.
Karin Ann Culey Dunkel was born to Giles and Margie Imrie Culey on March 9th, 1950, in Watertown, SD. She lived with her parents, two older brothers, her twin brother, younger brother and two younger sisters in Clark, SD. She attended school there and graduated from Clark High School in 1968. After high school, Karin attended Presentation College in Aberdeen, SD for one year. She then attended nursing school at St Mary’s in Pierre, SD. She graduated from nursing school in 1971 as an LPN.
Dean and Karin met in Valentine, NE in 1971 soon after Karin moved there to work at the old hospital. They were married on October 7th, 1972, in Clark, SD. To this union six children were born. Dana, Shawna, Todd, the twins, Kasi and Kori, and Brady.
Dean was a mechanic for several years. He enjoyed hunting, hiking, listening to music and shooting his guns. Dean was a devoted husband and a wonderful and caring father and grandfather. He had a great sense of humor and the softest heart in the world. He loved his family immensely.
Karin babysat for many years until her youngest child started school full-time. She then worked as an LPN at Pineview Good Samaritan until she retired. Karin was a devoted wife and caring mother and grandmother. She always had a grandchild on her lap, until they got too big of course! She had a great sense of humor and was always laughing with one of her family members or friends.
Dean passed away on September 14th, 2021, at Community Memorial Nursing home in Burwell, Ne at age 72, due to failing health.
Karin passed away on September 15th, 2021, at Cherry County Hospital at age 71 due to metastatic breast cancer.
Dean and Karin were married for 48 years. They are survived by their daughters, Dana (Mike), Shawna, Kasi (Dan), Kori, and son Brady, all of Valentine. Grandchildren, Brendan, Kaleb, Brittany, Nigel, Steven, Gabriel, Madilynn, Reaghan, Gracie, Paige, Jenna, and Jakob and recently their first great grandson, Thorin Andrew Dunkel born in July.
Dean is also survived by his two older sisters, Kathy (Lonnie) Hughes of Sargent, NE, and Joann (Rich) of Montrose, SD, and many nieces and nephews.
Karin is also survived by her older brother Dan (Mary) Culey of Sioux Falls, SD, brother Mike (Lisa) Culey of Lincoln, Ne, sister Jean Culey of North Platte, NE, and her best friend of over 65 years, Sandy Caster of Watertown, SD, and many nieces and nephews.
Dean and Karin are both preceded in death by their parents and their son Todd.
Karin is also preceded in death by her older half-sisters, Pat, Betty, and Mary Jo. Her brother Tim Culey, her twin brother Kevin Culey, sister Marsha Bakken, and infant sister Kathleen Culey.
Funeral services for Dean and Karin Dunkel will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 10:00 AM at the United Methodist Church in Valentine. Burials will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Valentine. Visitation will be on Monday at 5:00 PM at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines