Nancy L. (Bethke) Dunker

Nancy L. (Bethke) Dunker, 89, of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully on Sunday November 27, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. She was the devoted wife of the late Gordon F. Dunker for 58 years. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Royal Edward and Hertha (Karsten) Bethke, she was the oldest of three daughters. Nancy was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, became a faculty member of the Milwaukee Art Institute, and taught art both in public schools and privately. Nancy was a talented and prolific artist with a creative spirit and a love for “making memories”. She served as President for CISH (Council for International Services and Hospitality), proudly hosting visiting university students and their families from 32 different countries. She also volunteered with the City of Bethlehem Art Enrichment Program and illustrated a book for the Humane Society. 

In 1993, she and her husband fulfilled their dream of moving to the countryside where they built a house, barn, and studio on a beautiful hillside at Sunnyside Orchard, Mahoning Valley. In recent years, Nancy lived at Sterling Heights, Bethlehem, where she had many great friends and was able to continue her painting. Nancy leaves behind three generations of artists that she nurtured and an extended family that adored her. 

Survivors: She will be lovingly remembered by her four children: Lori J. Vreeland and husband, Tom; David (Andy) Dunker and wife, Donna; Chris E. Dunker and wife Cheri; Keri L. Maxfield and husband Tom; sister Judith Cole; grandchildren: Jennifer Dawson (David), Angelique Gatti (Glenn), Heidi Arnold (Robert), Dr. Kelli Harajda and Eric Dunker; and seven great-grandchildren (Violet, Abigail, Lily, Emma, Lucy, Emilia and Benjamin). Nancy was preceded in death by her sister Susan LeMonds.  

Services: Burial Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Nancy’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, Bethlehem. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com.  

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cancer Support Community of the Lehigh Valley, 944 Marcon Blvd #110, Allentown, PA 18109. 

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