Caroline (Waterfall) Gunkler

Caroline Gunkler, 97, of Midland, MI, peacefully passed away on April 27, 2023, surrounded by loved ones, after a long life of dedicated service to her family and community. Caroline was born on May 8, 1925, to Carl and Zetta Waterfall in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She caught the eye of high school student-athlete Albert Gunkler when they attended North Side High School. Before Al shipped off to the Philippines for his service in WWII’s Army Air Corp, he asked Caroline to meet him in Columbia, SC where they started their long and happy 66-year marriage prior to Al’s passing in 2011.

Caroline was a lifelong Methodist and upon moving to Midland, she joined the First United Methodist Church in 1952. In 1964, Caroline joined the Midland chapter of the PEO, a charitable organization dedicated to the education of women. Caroline remained a member throughout her life, serving in many roles including President.

Caroline enjoyed volunteering in a wide range of causes including Girl Scouts, King’s Daughters Home, and many activities through the church. One innovative project Caroline created was a fundraising operation she dubbed Caring Cards. Caroline, along with other United Methodist church members, refurbished used greeting cards into beautiful new cards that are sold at the church. Money raised sponsors the education of children in Haiti.

Caroline created a loving home and sanctuary for her family, both in Midland and ‘up north’ at the much beloved cottage. The cottage became a gathering place for children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who all knew that the never-ending supply of Caroline’s chocolate chip cookies was stored in the freezer. The family also enjoyed camping, including a memorable trip to Yellowstone that showed off Caroline’s dedication as a mother. When a bear appeared on a hill overlooking the children playing in the snow after a summer mountain storm, Caroline quickly packed a snowball and, from a distance that grew significantly over the years of retelling, hit the bear squarely on the nose. The bear scurried off to find an easier target.

Caroline lived for the past five years at Independence Village where she was lovingly cared for by her daughter Pam with help from the excellent staff. Caroline is survived by her son John Gunkler (Carolyn); daughter Jan Kern (Jim); daughter Lynn Hoffmann (Brian); daughter Pam Gunkler (Wally Mateusiak). Grandchildren include Jason Kern (Jami); Geoff Gunkler (Michelle); Ryan Kern (Jenny) and great-grandchildren Dawson and Aspen; Emily Paslay (Marcus) and great-grandchildren Henley and Hudson; Chase Mateusiak (Laura Devault); Annie Hoffmann (Drew McGuire); Wesley Mateusiak (Jessica Reehorst); Sarah Hoffmann (Andrew Brus). She was preceded in death by her husband, Al Gunkler, and their son, Todd Gunkler.

A private celebration will be held later this summer. The family invites remembrances and tributes through the Wilson Miller Funeral Home website. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy may consider donating to the Dr. Albert A. and Caroline Gunkler Scholarship Fund at the Midland Area Community Foundation or to the Lake Louise Christian Community Endowment Fund

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