Jack Eugene Gunkel entered into rest on Wednesday in Modesto with his children and their mother, Helen Gunkel of Vallejo, by his side. 

He was born in Tulsa, Okla. in July of 1938, the youngest child of Jess and Zella Gunkel. His family moved to California in 1944, where his father worked in the shipyards. Jack grew up in the Stockton area. Jack served in the U.S. Army from 1956 until 1959 as an ammunition renovation specialist. After discharge from the service he became an ordained minister, then later became a machine maintenance specialist at the Mare Island Shipyard, where retired after 20 years of dedicated service. Jack was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans Assoc.

 He greatly enjoyed fishing and sharing stories with his friends.

 Jack is survived by his brother, Elmer M. (Smokey Silver) Gunkel (Phyllis). He is also survived by five children: Steven Gunkel, David Gunkel, Rebecca Barnard, Debbie Gunkel-Clanton, all of Vallejo; and Sharon Gunkel (Bill Gronert) of Kansas City, Mo. He leaves eight grandchildren, Kurt Von Wolfe, Michael Heath, Bridget Castillo, Ann Marie and Brandon Gates, and Cortney and Dylan Wilson; two  great grandchildren; Cheyenne and Marcelo Castillo; and two sisters-in-law, Lenora Gunkel and Patsy Gunkel, both of Modesto.

 Jack was preceded in death his wife, Agnes Gunkel; his brothers, Joseph A. Gunkel and William H. (of Bill’s Safe and Lock in Modesto) Gunkel; and his sister, Clara M. Hill. 

Private services will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 4600 Roseville Rd. Suite 130, Sacramento, CA 95660 or the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3199, 2801 W. Hatch Rd., Modesto, CA, 95358. 

Allen Mortuary is entrusted with the arrangements. Please share your condolences at www.allenmortuary.com.