THE REV. WENDELIN JOSEPH DUNKER

PERRYVILLE -- The Rev. Wendelin Joseph Dunker C.M., 85, of Perryville died Aug. 17 at St. Mary's Seminary in Perryville.

He was a former priest at several area churches.

Born Jan. 7, 1906 at Perryville, he was the son of Louis Dunker and Josephine Schindler Dunker.

He was ordained at St. Mary's on June 12, 1932.

He served in China for 19 years and was the priest who helped Jimmy Dolittle's group out of China during World War II.

Dunker also worked at St. Boniface Church in Perryville, Christ the Savior Church at Brewer, St. Vincent de Paul Church in Cape Girardeau, St. Catherine-LaBure Church at Sappington, St. Vincent Church in Arizona and Sacred Heart Church at Pampa, Texas.

He retired in Perryville in 1983.

Surviving are one brother, Hilary Dunker, Perryville; one sister, Elma Huber, Perryville; 10 nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews.

Two brothers and two sisters preceded him in death.

Funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mary's of the Barons Seminary in Perryville. Burial will follow in the Vincentian Cemetery at Perryville.

Friends may call after 5 p.m. today at the seminary. A wake service will be held at 7:30 p.m.

Drayton Funeral Home of Perryville is in charge of arrangements.