MARION SANBORN DUNCKEL

Marion Sanborn Dunckel, age 97, passed away peacefully in her home on Oct. 15, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Marion was born on March 21, 1927, in Alpena. She spent her formative years on the corner of 8th and Tuttle Street in Alpena, where she grew up with her siblings: Gordon, Sonny, Ruth, and Myra. Together, they cherished simple joys, such as walking to church at St. Paul Lutheran and visiting the ice-skating rink at Mich-e-ke-wis Park. After graduating from Alpena High School, Marion continued her education at Capital University and Central Michigan University, where she earned her degree in speech therapy. Marion taught in the Alpena Public School system and with Marion Loomis founded the Pied Piper School for the developmentally challenged. She also worked tenaciously to make Ella White wheelchair accessible and usher in the era of ADA.

An active community member, Marion was heavily involved with the League of Women Voters and contributed significantly to local conservation efforts, protecting Negwegon State Park and Birdsong Bay. She was a member of various clubs, including Lake Winyah Club, Tray Club, and the Red Stocking Review. In 1954, Marion married the love of her life, Elbridge Dunckel, whom she met at her college roommate’s wedding — she was the maid of honor, and he was the best man. Together they raised three children: Eric (Kathleen), Matthew (Mary), and Amy Call (Fred). Marion continued to nurture the other loves of her life as “Nan” to four grandchildren Elena Dunmaus (Roy) Abby Dunckel, Ricco Call, Jaxon Call. In her later years, Marion found a loving community at New Life Lutheran Church, where she sang in the choir, served on committees, and hosted a weekly coffee clutch among congregants. Her life there and in the community can be best summed up by one of her favorite Desmond Tutu quotes “Without love, you are like a plant without water.”

The celebration of Marion’s life will continue at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 at New Life Lutheran Church, Spruce (located South of White Pines Golf Course in Hubbard Lake). Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan-Alpena or to New Life Lutheran Church, 25 Kirche in the Woods, Spruce, Michigan.