David Dunker

Feb. 25, 1958 ~ July 11, 2023

David Dean Dunker was born Feb. 25, 1958, at Hebron, to Frederick Dunker and Joan Rohr Dunker. He passed away on July 11, 2023, at Bryan East Medical Center in Lincoln at the age of 65 years, 4 months, and 16 days. He was the middle of three ornery boys.

Dave grew up in the Ohiowa/Strang area and graduated from Ohiowa High School with the class of 1976. He received his Associate’s Degree in Automotive Technology from Central Community College. He started out his career as a machinist with Lichti Auto Supply in Geneva. After moving to Sutton in 1994, he worked in the parts department at Friesen Chevrolet and later was the maintenance man for the Sutton Community Home. He ended his career driving the shuttle van for Fillmore County Hospital. Since he couldn’t sit still, he also would do small engine repair out of his garage. He didn’t make much money with the repair business, but the friends he made in his customers was his real payment.

On July 26, 1980, he married the fiery redheaded girl from town, JoAnna Langhorst. They made their first home on a farm north of Ohiowa and then moved into Ohiowa in 1986 and lived there until moving to Sutton. They had two adorable sons, John Christopher and Thomas James. Dave always said that a guy could not have two better sons. His favorite role was when he became grandpa to Maverick and Memphis. There was always a snack waiting for them by his chair when they came over.

Dave was a charter member of the Sons of the Legion in Ohiowa, a member of the Ohiowa Fire Department, served on the Ohiowa School Board, and served on the Zion Lutheran Church Board. He was also a member of the Ohiowa Methodist Church in Ohiowa. After some gentle prodding from Joni, he became a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Sutton. He knew it would please her to become a Lutheran so they could be on the same cloud one day.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Fritz and Joan; his parents-in-law, Edward and Marjorie Langhorst; sister-in-law, Linda Heape; aunt, Gretchen Dunker; uncle, Lawrence Rohr; aunt and uncle, Eugene and Deloris Jiskra; and aunt and uncle, Patricia and Willard Rippe.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Joni, of Sutton; sons, John and partner, Thomas Shaw, of Lincoln, and Tom and wife, Danielle, of Sutton; his favorite grandsons, Maverick Dean and Memphis Joe, of Sutton; his best dog buddy, Franklin; brother, Jim and wife, Kim, of Geneva; brother, Chris and wife, Julie, of Strang; nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends.

A memorial service was at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 15, 2023, at Grace Lutheran Church in Ohiowa. Nancy Cradduck accompanied the congregation in the singing of “Borning Cry” and “Amazing Grace.” The recorded processional and recessional songs were “Here Comes The Sun” and “I’ll Fly Away.”

Honorary pallbearers for the service included John Riel, Jim Baumann, Ken Sundermeier, John Steider, Pat O’Brien, and Craig Bowman.

A private committal of ashes will take place at Harmony Cemetery at a later date.

Farmer & Son Funeral Home was in care of the arrangements and online condolences can be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome. com Memorials are suggested to the Grace Lutheran Church, Zion Lutheran Church (Sutton), and the Fillmore County Hospital Foundation.