Marsha J. Dunkin

Marsha J. Dunkin, age 76, passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on Monday, November 6, 2023. Marsha was born in West Lafayette, IN. To William H. Kahle, Sr., and Beverly (Hodson) Kahle. She lived in Anderson from the age of 4. Marsha graduated from Madison Heights High School and attended Anderson College and Indiana University. Until her retirement in 2016, she was the corporate secretary for W. R. Dunkin & Son, Inc. where she worked alongside her husband, Craig, for over 40 years. Her meticulous handling of the corporation’s accounts payable allowed the company to maintain the highest credit ratings possible. Marsha grew up in the First United Methodist Church, attended North Anderson Church of God/Madison Park Church from 2001 to 2015 and became a member of Central Christian Church in 2016. Her community activities included: Gateway/United Cerebral Palsy Board of Directors, chair of the Women In Business Committee of the Chamber of Commerce, United Way allocation panels, member and secretary of Soroptimist International of Anderson, treasurer of the American Cancer Society Leadership Council, Alternatives, Inc. and St. Johns/St. Vincent Foundation Board. She was a member of Anderson Country Club, Tourist Club, and Women In Philanthropy of the Madison County Community Foundation. Along with Craig, she received the Rotary Community Image Award in 2008 and the Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2010. Marsha and Craig, along with the entire Dunkin team, were recognized for 100 years in business by the Chamber of Commerce in 2015. Marsha’s passion was her family. When her first child, Matthew, was born with cerebral palsy, she took a leave of absence from work to concentrate on Matt’s needs. With Marsha’s perseverance and the assistance of United Cerebral Palsy (name later change to Gateway) and Anderson Community Schools, Matthew received the best care possible until his death in 1987. Marsha was so proud of her daughter Melanie, who was born with a congenital eye defect. She was always by Melanie’s side as she navigated through and successfully overcame the obstacles presented to her. Marsha was a two-time cancer survivor, in addition to enduring other serious health issues. These health challenges made her especially aware of living each day to the fullest and of supporting others in their personal difficulties. She had a heart for philanthropy and was the driving force behind the company and family giving to numerous local charities and institutions for many years. Marsha loved Mackinac Island, the Colts, her Camaro, Indiana Reparatory Theatre, The Indianapolis Broadway Musical series, Anderson University, trips to Washington D.C with the Chamber of Commerce, the Smokies, and Vashon Island, Washington. Marsha was preceded in death by her son, Matthew; and her parents William H. Kahle, Sr. and Beverly (Hodson) Kahle. She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Craig; daughter Melanie C. Dunkin; brother William H. Kahle, Jr.; sister-in-law, Candy (Steve) Short; niece, Caren Short; nephew, Colin (Julie) Short; great-niece, Mary Kate Short; and great-nephew, Matthew Short. Visitation will be on Monday, November 20, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Loose Funeral Homes and Crematory, 200 W. 53rd St., Anderson, IN 46013, and on Tuesday, one hour prior to the service. A memorial service for Marsha will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., with burial taking place in Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Alternatives, Inc., Anderson University or Gateway Association, Inc.

Marsha J. Dunkin

November 1, 1947 - November 6, 2023