Esther Jane Dunker

She was born on April 25, 1934, in Bellefontaine, Ohio, a daughter of Marion and Kathryn "Kate" (Habecker) Duncan. Esther married Dale Dunker on February 4, 1956, in Denver, Colorado. He preceded her in death on September 9, 1988.

Esther was also preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and one sister.

She is survived by her three children; Deborah (Troy) Mallicoat of Mackinaw, Jerry (Cheryl) Dunker of Green Valley and Frank Dunker of Pekin; eight grandchildren; Shonda (Cody) Sprecher of South Pekin, Shae Berry of North Pekin, Robert Berry of Pekin, Sarah (Scott) Gough of Manito, Jake (Nicole) Dunker of Washington, Brody (Melanie) Dunker of Pekin, Austin (Molly) Dunker of Delavan, Anthony Dunker of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; 13 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

Esther attended the Pekin First Nazarene Church. In her childhood her parents were missionaries in Japan, China and Tibet. She loved to travel the world, reading, doing puzzles, playing card games, and fishing, trips with her family. She was a member of the Miller Senior Citizens Center and enjoyed her time with friends she met here. Esther worked as a receptionist for the Social Security Administration Office for twenty plus years, retiring in 1995.

Cremation rites have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. There will be no scheduled services.

Memorial contributions in honor of Esther may be directed to Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter 2200 Cabot Drive, Suite 460 Lisle, Illinois 60532.

To express condolences online, visit www.Preston-Hanley.com.