Neil F. Dunkle, Jr.

NEIL DUNKLE, JR.

Neil F. Dunkle, Jr., 81, passed away on Oct. 21, 2025. Neil died peacefully at his home located at 170 Beech St., Jersey Shore. His family was by his side as he completed his earthly journey.

Neil was born in Jersey Shore on Nov. 7, 1943, to Dr. Neil F. Dunkle and Mary Martha Bingman Dunkle.

Neil was married to the love of his life, Linda Bickel Dunkle, who survives him and will miss him every day for the rest of her life. They have been loving one another since 1984. It was an adventure filled with laughter, stress, joy, humor, celebration and triumphs. He was her protector, provider, partner and best friend.

Neil was an extraordinary father to Neil F. Dunkle, III, and his wife, Laurie. He considered Laurie his daughter. Neil, III is a mirror image of his dad and will pick up the reins and look after the family. His father was very proud of the man he has become, he loved his boy. Neil, III and Laurie have three sons, Keith (Chelsea) Rachau, Tyler Dunkle and Jonathan Dunkle.

Neil also is survived by his daughter, Kristen Calhoun. Neil has been by her side through many hardships in life, including the death of Kristen’s husband, John. Neil had a deep love for John and promised him that he would take care of Kristen. He kept that promise right up to the moment he left us. Kristen will tell you that Neil is one of the only men in her life that has never let her down. He loved his girl.

Michael Welsh also survives, he is also our son. Michael is tormented by life and has difficulty with relationships, but still, the love is there and it remains. Hope springs eternal.

Neil’s son by choice, Brady Thomas, and his wife, Kim, were a big part of his life. Their children, Nathan and Katie, were important to Neil’s family. He loved them like family and they loved him right back.

Also, left behind to miss Neil are his sisters-in-law, Deb Vanemon, she of the chocolate cake; Lori Vanemon and her chocolate chip cookies; Karen Bower, maker of bread; and Barb Cohick and her clothespin cookies.

Also his brothers-in-law, Melvin Vanemon, Paul Bower and Tim Cohick. Melvin was Neil’s buddy. They loved to go to the landfill and Lowes.

Neil has a sister, Sandra Nelson. She lives in Bodines. They are not close.

Neil owned and operated DADS Landscaping for over 45 years until his retirement in 2021. This company was his pride and joy. He cared deeply for his employees and his customers. Three generations of people found employment at DADS. When it closed, a part of Neil’s heart stopped beating. His family would like to thank all the people who worked so long and so hard to make DADS a success. We had a good life because of your dedication, thank you.

Neil’s other love in life was airplanes — flying them, talking about them, building them, looking at them, talking about them and talking about them.

During his time in the Army, he was an aircraft mechanic and during this period he met Ed Draper. Ed was his commanding officer, and to this day, almost 50 years later, they are still best friends. Neil and Linda made many trips to Texas to visit Ed and his family. Now the Dunkles and three generations of the Draper family love one another.

So many nieces and nephews will remember Uncle Neil, including the next generation of littles who made him laugh.

Neil’s earthly remains will be put to rest in the ground at Dunkled Acres, the family property located near Salladasburg. His parents are also at rest there as is his son-in-law, John, and most of the dogs he loved. This property was where he grew up, it is where he designed and built a home that he and Linda spent 21 wonderful years in before moving into town four years ago, it is his happy place. His family will do this part privately. Public services are listed below.

God, Family, Country, his three ideals.

Services for Neil will take place on Sunday, Oct. 26, at Dunkled Acres, 1009 First Fork Road, Jersey Shore. The service will be held in the house that Neil loved so. It is on the far side of the creek next to the waterfall. There will be signs.

Viewing starts at 11 a.m. There will be a military service conducted at 1:30 p.m. and a time for friends and family to speak. Everyone is invited to stay and join the family for a meal which will take place immediately after the service at 2 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tunnels 2 Towers Foundation; www.t2t.org or Wolf Sanctuary in Lititz; www.wolfsanctuarypa.org.

Arrangements are being handled by Rearick-Carpenter Funeral Home.

Send condolences at www.rearickcarpenter.com