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Glen Walter Dunkel Sr., 86, of Minot, passed away Thursday, July 30, 2026, at an assisted living facility in Velva.

Glen was born on April 28, 1940, to Joe and Selma (Hanson) Dunkel in a home just off Valley Street in Minot, North Dakota. He was the middle of nine children, and family legend says that when the doctor brought him home, his older siblings thought the new baby was tucked inside the doctor's black medical bag.

Glen attended the old Nedrose School and later Minot High School. He loved telling stories from his younger days—like peeling potatoes for a nickel at the dance hall down the road or hopping on a train headed all the way to Washington with nothing but an apple in his pocket.

While he was in high school, Glen spotted a young woman working at a café on Main Street. He turned to his friend and confidently declared, "I like that girl. She's going to be mine." He was right. Her name was Jean Tofstad.

On his 18th birthday, Glen joined the United States Navy. After completing boot camp, he returned home and married Jean on December 5, 1958. Glen, Jean, and their firstborn son, Glen Jr., enjoyed five peaceful years together... cough, cough... before the rest of the kids came along.

During his military service, Glen served aboard the aircraft carriers USS Coral Sea and USS Shangri-La, stationed out of Alameda, California, and Bremerton, Washington. He was honorably discharged in April 1962. Then, as Glen Jr. would say, "all hell broke loose," and along came Roger, Mike, Bobbi Jo, and Sheri.

In 1964, Glen proudly joined the Minot Fire Department, serving his community for 36 years. In 1974, he and a partner opened Minot Radiator Shop, where he could spend his days doing what he loved most—working. While some people have favorite hobbies, Glen's favorite four-letter word was WORK. He retired from the Minot Fire Department in 2000 but continued operating Minot Radiator Shop until 2014 from his little spot in the middle of Minot with the Dunkel name on it.

Together, Glen and Jean built far more than a home. They built a family, a legacy, and a lifetime of memories. After more than six decades of marriage, Jean passed away in 2019.

When he wasn't working, Glen loved spending time fishing at Lake Darling and took great pride in meticulously caring for his five acres east of Minot. He also had a special place in his heart for his dogs over the years. A special shout-out goes to Snowball, Bogie, Sheba, KoKo, and the ever-entertaining Leah, who all loved him faithfully.

Glen's greatest joy in life was his grandchildren, each of whom brought him tremendous pride.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Selma Dunkel; his beloved wife, Jean; his sisters, Gloria and Barb; and his brothers, Leroy and Gary.

He is survived by his children: Glen (Joan) of Max, North Dakota; Roger of Mandan, North Dakota; Mike (Mary) of Warroad, Minnesota; Bobbi (Ken) Arneson of Oshkosh, Wisconsin; and Sheri (Scott) Hardy of Bismarck, North Dakota. He is also survived by his sisters, Ann Gulbranson of Minot, North Dakota, and Linda Wallace of Havre, Montana; his brothers, Henry of Zap, North Dakota, and Bill of Minot, North Dakota; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Souris Valley Animal Shelter or the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.

A Celebration of Glen's Life will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Minot on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with a livestream available on the church's website.

Visitation will be held at Thomas Family Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a time of sharing to follow.

Burial will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan.