Rev. Valentine F. Dunkle

biography

The Rev. Valentine F. Dunkle was born in West Freedom, Pa., November 12, 1857, and died May 13, 1926, in the sixty-ninth year of his age, in Los Angeles, California.  One September 19, 1883, he was married to Miss Laura White, who died October 24, 1906, in Fredonia, N. Y.

He graduated from Allegheny College in 1890 and a few years later received the degree of A.M. from his alma mater.  He was licensed to preach in 1886, and was received on trial in 1890 in the Erie Annual Conference, being ordained deacon that same year by Bishop Mallalieu.  In 1894, Bishop Goodsell ordained him elder.  During his active ministry of fifteen years he served the following charges:  Guys Mills, Leon, Hamlet, Eau Claire, Karns City, Cranesville, Cottage and Pleasantville. 

On account of failing health he had to give up his active ministry in 1910 and went west residing in Idaho for ten years, and in Banning and Avalon, California, the remainder of his life, hoping that his strength might be restored so that he would again be able to take up the work of his Master.  In this he was disappointed, because his health gradually failed until he was called home to his reward.  The folowing [following] quotation concerning him is taken from his daughter's letter:  " He always regretted that he had not been able to do more for his Master, while unselfishness and patience were always predominant in his character." He was one of God's noblemen, tenderhearted, kind and gentle in his manners, thus greatly endearing himself to those who knew him.  The interests of the Church were uppermost on his mind, and he lived near unto his Saviour during his entire Christian life.

He is survived by two children, Mrs. Grace Dunkle Billings, of Eagle Rock, Cal., and Meryle Byron Dunkle, of Avalon, Cal.  A daughter died in infancy.  The funeral services were conducted by his pastor, the Rev. E. A. Palmer, and he was laid to rest in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Los Angeles, to await the Resurrection morn.