Norma L. Gumb Dunkel was born February 17, 1925 in Chambers to CW and Daisy (Palmer) Gumb. She started school in Holt County and continued there until age 10. She then moved with her family to Garfield County in 1935. Norma grew up on a ranch north east of Burwell.
Norma married George Dunkel on February 6, 1941 in Hyannis. To this 63 year union, two daughters and one son were born.
George and Norma made their home on a ranch in Holt County until 1954, they then moved to a ranch near Crookston. The family moved into Valentine in 1966. Norma opened a used clothing store soon after moving to Valentine. She ran this store until 2015 when she was forced to close because of poor health. Norma loved water fights, family reunions and raising a garden.
She passed away August 31, 2021 at Community Memorial Nursing Home in Burwell at age 96. She was preceded in death by her husband George who passed away December 1, 2004, her parents, five sisters, two brothers and grandson Todd Dunkel.
Norma is survived by daughters Kathy (Lonnie) Hughes of Sargent, JoAnn (Richard) Bellin of Montrose, SD and son Dean (Karin) Dunkel of Valentine. Also surviving is brother Ray Gumb of Burwell, 14 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren; five step grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral service for Norma Dunkel were held September 4, 2021 at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines. Pastor Jake Schadel officiated at the 11:00 a.m. service. Internment followed at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine. Sandoz Chapel of the Pines was in charge of service arrangements.
