DUNK
Caroline Dorothy
Caroline (Carol) Dorothy Bonham-Dunk passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2014 at Stettler Regional Hospital at the age of 93 years. Carol was born on February 23, 1921 near Three Hills, AB, the eldest child of Emil and Sara Maertz. Life was difficult, but family and friends coped by banding together. Our Mom loved school and learning and was a good student. She attended Prairie Bible Institute where she was introduced to Bible stories and scripture verse memorization which formed the foundation of her life-long faith. During the "Dirty Thirties" the family was forced off the farm and they began a new life in Calgary. Mom worked as a housekeeper and then entered the war effort by moving to Hamilton, ON. to work in a gun factory, followed by a civilian job at the Air Base in High River and a stint at Hudson's Bay in Calgary. In early 1946 she moved to her parent's farm in the Great Bend District near Delburne. Mom met her future husband Lester Milton (Mickey) Bonham at a wedding dance and it was love at first sight! They were married on November 23, 1946 and built a life together on their farm raising four children. They were actively involved at Great Bend Church of Christ. Mickey retired from the farm in 1972 and he and Mom were able to spend several years travelling to horseshoe tournaments in their camper. Mom penned many beautiful songs and poems about life, love, family and faith which we'll always treasure. Dad met his untimely death on September 6, 1975 at the age of 55. Being a determined woman she remained on the family farm for several years with her two youngest children Danny and May. When Danny got married and took over the farm Mom started a new chapter in her life and secured employment in Red Deer; however she missed her friends and moved back to Delburne. Paul Dunk then appeared on the scene and they married on December 13, 1980. Together they built a new home on Paul's acreage where they lived for many years. Mom survived two bouts of cancer in the 1980's. As time progressed, Paul's health declined and they moved to Stettler. Paul passed away on March 22, 2012 at the age of 93. Mom now lived at Willow Creek Lodge enjoying time with family and new friends. Mom hands were never idle. Her pleasure and purpose was living a life dedicated to serving the Lord and those around her. She will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her. Carol was predeceased by her parents Emil and Sara Maertz, first husband Mickey Bonham, second husband Paul Dunk, sister Elsie Morley, and brother Elmer (Al) Maertz. Carol is survived by her sister Myrna Switlyck; children Candy (Ron) Dyck, Penny (Harvey) Gamble, Dan (Glenna) Bonham, May (Bill) McKenzie. She was blessed with eight grandchildren Jordie (Brittany) Hawley, Sarah Hawley, Christine Barrios, Amanda (Chris) Hetchler, Coralee Bonham, Selena McKenzie, Grant McKenzie, Amy McKenzie and six great-grandchildren Miguel, Elijah, Tessa, Michael, Hudson and Maelyn. A Memorial Service will be held at Great Bend Church of Christ, NE of Delburne on Hwy 21 on Saturday November 15, 2014 at 2:00 PM. Donations in memory of Carol may be made to Willow Creek Lodge, 6020-47 Ave., Stettler, AB T0C 2L1.