Laurence C. Dunkel, 94, of Saint Francisville, Illinois, formerly of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Friday, March 26, 2021 at BridgePointe Health Campus in Vincennes, Indiana. He was born on October 11, 1926 in Mount Carmel, the son of Emmet and Lorene (Ankenbrand) Dunkel. He Married Peggy Staley on December 11, 1998 and she survives.

Laurence faithfully served his country in the United States Army. He worked in the construction industry as a heavy equipment operator for many years and was a fifty-year member of the International Union of Operating Engineers local 841. Laurence was a part-time farmer in Wabash County for many years. He enjoyed being outdoors, working in his garden and fishing. He liked to dance and during his quiet time, he enjoyed reading and working crossword puzzles. Laurence was a member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. He loved his family dearly and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Laurence leaves behind his loving wife of twenty-two years, Peggy; son, Michael Rose and wife Angie of Wooster, Ohio; daughters, Jamie Glaefke and husband Jon, Rebecca Hranko and husband Jim, all of Boulder, Colorado; three grandchildren, Kate Kranko, Justin Howell, Jamon Howell; one great-grandchild, Cooper Howell; brother, Jerry Dunkel of Mount Carmel; sister, Alma Wood and husband Rollo of Terre Haute, Indiana; and many loved nieces and nephews.

Laurence was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bill Dunkel and wife Helen; sisters, Catherine Basinger and husband Robert, Mary McGregor and husband Carlos; sister-in-law, Elizabeth “Ann” Dunkel.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Robert Zwilling as Celebrant. Burial will follow at Saint Mary’s Cemetery.

Social distancing, wearing of face coverings and use of hand sanitizer is recommended for Visitation and Mass.

Memorial contributions may be made in Laurence’s memory to Saint Mary’s Catholic School and will be accepted at the Church or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.

Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Laurence’s tribute wall, purchase flowers and leave condolences for the Dunkel family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com