Posted: Tue 6:32 PM, Jan 08, 2013
Funeral Home: Schmidt & Schulta
John E. Dunning, Jr., 86, formerly of Eland, died Sunday, January 6, 2013 at Colonial Manor, Wausau, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
He was born on July 27, 1926 in Chicago, the son of the late John E. Dunning, Sr. and Clara (Schuker) Dunning.
John was a U.S. Army Veteran.
On February 4, 1956 John was united in marriage to Ruby Kirby in Chicago. She preceded him in death on March 3, 2002.
While living in Chicago, John was a flatbed truck driver and he and Ruby cared for over 47 foster children. They moved to Eland in 1989. John enjoyed listening to Irish music, working on cars and being around family and friends.
Survivors include five children, John (Andrea) Dunning, III, Wittenberg, Sandra Dunning, Eland, Dale Dunning, Wausau, Sallie (August) Wolff, Edgar and Debrah (Steve) Balke, Wittenberg; four grandchildren, Jennifer, John IV, Brittnee and Thomas-John; two great-grandchildren, John V and Kelly Lynn and two sisters, Helen Krueter, Lansing, IL and Delores Redican, Arkansas. He is also survived by other relatives and friends.
The Funeral Service will be held at 1pm on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood. Rev. Ray Connor will officiate. Military Rites will be conducted by the Darling-Gunderson Post #341, Birnamwood. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11am until the time of services at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family would be appreciated. The family guestbook and condolences are available at schmidtschulta.com.
