Benjamin Lee Dunkin

Benjamin Lee Dunkin passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on January 16, 2024. He was the third child of Fred Dunkin and Anna Linn, born on October 25, 1927, in Essex, Iowa. He was married to Mary Ann Hendrickson, daughter of Marion and Grace (Groff) Hendrickson on June 26, 1949, in the United Methodist Church in Nodaway, Iowa. It was a double wedding with her sister Deloris Hendrickson and C. Marvin Peterson.

Benny Dunkin graduated from Villisca High School in Villisca, Iowa, in May of 1946. He was a member of the Future Farmers Association and was among 75 Iowa boys who received the "Iowa Farmer Degree," the highest award of the Future Farmers of America. He was also a member of the Montgomery County 4-H Club. He enlisted in the Air Force, on June 12, 1946.

After Ben and Mary Ann married, their first home was in Rapid City, South Dakota, where Ben was stationed. Their second home was at Marks AFB, Nome, Alaska, where they celebrated their 1st wedding anniversary. Their first child, Ronda Lee, was born at Ladd AFB, Fairbanks, Alaska. Their second child, Denese Ann, was born at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Their third daughter, Lisa Renee', was born in Sacramento, California.

Ben retired as a Chief Master Sergeant from the United States Air Force where he was a radar specialist with the Airways and Air Communications Service. (AACS) He maintained air traffic control/radar equipment. He retired on August 10th, 1972, at Wurtsmith AFB, Oscoda, Michigan, after serving 26 years of active duty. He had been stationed at various bases in the United States and overseas: Texas, Florida, South Dakota, Kentucky, Mississippi, California, Michigan, Alaska (2 tours), Newfoundland, Japan, and Monkey Mountain, Da Nang, Vietnam. He continued his service in the reserves for four more years.

Ben earned several military decorations during his 26 years of active duty. He earned the Bronze Star, AF Commendation Medal with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal, AF Good Conduct Medal with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Good Conduct with 5 Loops, American Theatre Medal, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award w/V/ Device/Bronze and Oak Leaf Cluster, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon with 1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, USAF NCO Academy Graduate Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, United States Air Force Service Commemorative Medal and the U.S. Armed Forces Retired Service Commemorative Medal.

In 1972, Ben and family retired to Fort Collins, Colorado. Ben was employed as maintenance superintendent for the educational media department of Poudre School District before his retirement in 1990. He was named one of the Employees of the Year for the school district in 1983. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church since August of 1972 where he maintained the sound system for the church. He and Mary Ann were active members and attended Sunday School and church most Sundays if they weren't on a road trip, visiting their many relatives and friends around the country, or traveling abroad or to Hawaii with their dearest friends, Dick and Tammy Marple.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents, brother, sister, and his dear wife of 62 years, Mary Ann. His brother, Lynn William Dunkin and his sister, Evelyn Elisabeth Dunkin Davis.

Ben is survived by his three daughters, Ronda Rastler (Dan) of Roseville, CA, Denese Van Dyne (Brian Beasley) of Loganville, GA, Lisa Martin (Scott) of Fort Collins, CO; Four grandchildren, Eric Rastler (Jennifer) of Buford, GA, Christina (Rastler) Seals (David) of Roseville, CA, Melinda (Martin) Scinto (Michael) of Elmhurst, IL and Lucas Martin of Denver, CO. Ben was delighted by his three great-grandchildren, Dylan and Caitlyn Seals of Roseville, CA, and Mary Rose Scinto of Elmhurst, IL. He is also survived by his nieces, Rosamond (Davis) Tillman of Shenandoah, IA, and Cheryl (Dunkin) Kaufman of Alexandria, VA.

Our family is grateful to the doctors and nursing staff in the ICU at PVH for giving Ben wonderful care and support for our family. We are also grateful for all the prayers and positive thoughts that were said for him by so many relatives and friends.

Visitation will be on Thursday, February 1, from 4-6 p.m. at Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive St., Fort Collins, CO 80524. His celebration of life service will be on Friday, February 2, 11 a.m. at Christ United Methodist Church, 301 E. Drake Rd. with a reception following. Internment will be at Grandview Cemetery, for family only, following the reception.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to Christ United Methodist Church Roof Fund, 301 E. Drake Rd. Fort Collins, CO 80525.
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8XYKM3SVCZKRA