Jack W. Dunkle

Jack William Dunkle, 76, of Snake Spring Valley, went to be with the Lord on March 15, 2023 after a short but courageous battle with cancer.   He was born on September 12, 1946 in Bedford, a son of the late William H. (Dick) and Dorothy E. (Mills) Dunkle.  On September 25, 2004 in Bedford, he married Susan B. (Whitfield) Dunkle who survives along with three children: Kristi Dunkle-Sanchez of St. Augustine, FL, Jack W. Dunkle, Jr. of Snake Spring Valley and Jennifer Harclerode and husband Jerome of New Paris; a grandson Dylan Jack Sanchez; and two brothers: Richard G. Dunkle of Everett, and Jerry L. Dunkle and wife Sue, of Mt. Union.  He was preceded in death by three sisters: Marion J. Dunkle, Lois “Katie” Cunard and widower Dick surviving of Everett, and Dorothy “Jeannie” Deaner.

Jack was a U.S. Army Veteran and Expert Marksman assigned to the 560th Signal Battalion and Southern European Task Force during his service, from 1966 to 1969.  Despite the Army’s efforts to recruit Jack into Officer’s Training, he returned home to help his father run the family business.  He owned and operated Dunkle’s Gulf Service Station in Bedford with his wife Susan.  He bought the family business from his father who had operated Dunkle’s and was associated with Gulf Oil Corporation since 1927.  Jack was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Bedford where he previously served on the Church Council.  He was a member of the Bedford American Legion Post #113, Bedford Moose Lodge #480, Bedford County Sportsmen’s Club and past officer of the Fort Bedford Chapter of Trout Unlimited.

Jack was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who loved his family, and he was loved by his family very much.  He had many friends, and he was a true friend.  Jack had a great love for fishing and was a skilled fisherman.  He also loved his classic cars and anything with a motor.  You could always see him around town in one of his old Jeeps.  Jack is known for helping a lot of people over the years but never accepting credit.  He loved the Valley House and taking care of the “Valley Boys.”  A lot of local folks will retain a vivid memory of Jack, like his father before him, doing the many things he did to keep a small business together – hard work, good service and helpful advice.  He left a lasting impression on anyone who knew or loved him.  He will be missed by many.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to: Family Hospice at PO Box 352, Altoona, PA 16603, Fort Bedford Honor Guard at 3721 Business 220, Bedford, PA 15522 or Trout for Shobers Run at 812 Green Lane, Bedford, PA 15522.

Funeral services will be private.  Arrangements by the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford.  Our online guestbook is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.